but subsequently

USAGE SUMMARY

"but subsequently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a particular event or situation that happened afterwards or as a result of a previous one. Example: After weeks of searching, I found a job, but subsequently discovered that it wasn't the right fit for me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Headaches will worsen initially, but subsequently improve over several weeks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But subsequently they blamed the authority for the errors.

The New York Times

But subsequently, the maverick creator has virtually disappeared.

The Guardian - Music

He escapes but, subsequently, his father is found dead.

The Guardian - Books

In 2009, two were released to El Salvador but subsequently left.

The Guardian

Later enrolls at Benghazi University to study geography, but subsequently drops out to join the army.

The Guardian

Initially he intended to write straight back, but subsequently decided to wait.

The Guardian

It was valued at $390m£269m9m) before it launched, but subsequently plummeted to bankruptcy.

The Guardian - Film

HP acquired Autonomy for $11bn in 2011 but subsequently wrote down its value.

The Guardian - Business

The law school initially placed petitioner on a waiting list, but subsequently rejected her application.

The New York Times

Mrs. McKevitt and five others were arrested with Mr. McKevitt but subsequently released.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but subsequently" to clearly indicate a sequence of events where the second event contrasts with or modifies the first. This helps maintain clarity and flow in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "but subsequently" can make your writing sound stilted in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "but then" or "however" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but subsequently" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two clauses, indicating a contrast introduced by "but", followed by a sequential event signaled by "subsequently". Ludwig confirms its correct usage, highlighting its role in linking contrasting events in time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but subsequently" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that connects contrasting events in a sequential manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is useful for illustrating how situations evolve over time, particularly when there's an element of surprise or change. While common in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, it's important to consider the tone; simpler alternatives might be more suitable for informal writing. The phrase's function is to show both contrast and sequence, making it a valuable tool for precise and nuanced communication. Remember to use it to clearly indicate how events unfolded with an element of contrast.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however later

This alternative replaces "subsequently" with "later" while retaining the contrasting function of "however".

yet afterwards

Uses "yet" to introduce a contrast and "afterwards" to indicate a following event.

though thereafter

Replaces "but" with "though" and "subsequently" with "thereafter", keeping the meaning of sequential events.

even so afterward

Employs "even so" to denote contrast and "afterward" to indicate time sequence.

still then

Utilizes "still" to show contrast and "then" as a temporal marker.

nonetheless following that

Replaces "but" with "nonetheless" and "subsequently" with "following that", which indicates a sequence.

despite this subsequently

Retains "subsequently" for sequence but emphasizes contrast with "despite this".

in spite of that later

Uses "in spite of that" to highlight contrast and "later" to show time.

contrary to this afterward

Employs "contrary to this" to establish a contrast and "afterward" to follow sequentially.

conversely thereafter

Indicates contrast with "conversely" and sequence with "thereafter".

FAQs

How can I use "but subsequently" in a sentence?

Use "but subsequently" to connect two contrasting events that happen in sequence. For example, "The company initially reported losses, but subsequently achieved record profits."

What are some alternatives to "but subsequently"?

Alternatives include "however later", "yet afterwards", or "though thereafter", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "but" with "subsequently"?

While "but" is commonly used to introduce a contrast, you can sometimes use "subsequently" alone if the contrast is implied. However, including "but" often provides better clarity.

What's the difference between "but subsequently" and "later"?

"Later" simply indicates a time difference, while "but subsequently" implies both a time difference and a contrast or unexpected outcome. For example, "He started poorly, "but subsequently" improved" suggests an unexpected change.