Then again

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Then again" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a contrasting idea or to reconsider a previous statement. Example: "I thought the movie would be boring; then again, it received great reviews."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Then again I may".

The New York Times - Books

Then again, who knows?

The New York Times - Books

Then again, maybe not.

The New York Times

Then again, perhaps not.

The New York Times

Then again, what's lewder?

The New Yorker

Then again, it was not.

The New York Times - Sports

Then again, Larkin never married.

The New York Times - Books

Then again, aren't we always?

The New York Times - Books

Then again, both are tarnished.

The New York Times - Sports

Then again, neither did Bloomberg.

The New York Times

Then again, he wasn't remotely.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Then again" to introduce a thought that qualifies or contradicts a preceding statement. It's effective for adding nuance and showing balanced consideration of different perspectives.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "Then again" in formal contexts like academic papers or business reports. Over-reliance can make your writing sound less authoritative. Opt for alternatives such as "however" or "on the other hand" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Then again" functions as a conjunctive adverb or discourse marker. According to Ludwig AI, it introduces a contrasting thought or qualification to a previous statement. It signals a shift in perspective or a reconsideration of the initial idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Then again" is a versatile phrase used to introduce contrasting or qualifying thoughts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While suitable for many contexts, it's less formal than alternatives like "however" or "on the other hand". It's commonly found in news and general writing, making it appropriate for neutral settings, but should be used sparingly in highly formal academic or scientific writing. Understanding its function and considering the context will help you effectively incorporate "Then again" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

But then

Very close in meaning and structure to "Then again", but slightly less emphatic in introducing the alternative.

On the other hand

This phrase directly introduces a contrasting viewpoint, similar to "Then again", but is generally considered more formal.

However

This is a general-purpose contrastive conjunction, less conversational than "Then again" and applicable in a broader range of contexts.

That being said

Introduces a contrasting point after acknowledging the previous statement, often used in more extended discussions.

Yet

A simple and direct conjunction to indicate contrast, can be less emphatic than 'Then again'.

Conversely

A more formal and academic way to introduce a contrasting idea.

Still

Similar to 'Yet', implying contrast while maintaining the significance of the initial point.

Even so

Indicates a contrast while maintaining the relevance of the prior statement.

Nevertheless

Implies that the contrasting point does not negate the previous statement entirely, adding a nuanced layer of meaning.

Nonetheless

Similar to 'nevertheless', suggesting that the initial point still holds some validity despite the contrast.

FAQs

How can I use "Then again" in a sentence?

"Then again" is used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying thought. For example, "I was planning to go to the beach; "then again", the weather forecast is terrible."

What's a more formal alternative to "Then again"?

In formal writing, consider using "however", "on the other hand", or "conversely" as alternatives to "Then again".

Is "Then again" suitable for academic writing?

While "Then again" is grammatically correct, it's generally more suited to informal or neutral contexts. For academic writing, more formal alternatives like "however" or "nevertheless" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "Then again" and "But then"?

"Then again" and "but then" are very similar, both introducing a contrasting point. "Then again" might carry a slightly stronger sense of reconsideration, while "but then" can feel more like a simple continuation of thought with a contrast.