but then does

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but then does" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrasting idea or to indicate a change in action or state following a previous statement. Example: "She seemed uninterested at first, but then does show enthusiasm when discussing her favorite topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

But then, does it?

Independent

But then, does anything about love make sense?

The Guardian - Opinion

Your colleague says one thing in a meeting but then does another.

Harvard Business Review

She thinks of pointing this out to him, but then does not.

The New Yorker

But then does anyone buy the Sun because they think it is morally pure?

The Guardian - Opinion

But then does having published lesson observation criteria stop this happening under Ofsted?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

But then, do you move to cubicles?

MIT Technology Review

But then don't we all?

The Guardian - Travel

But then, don't write a memoir.

The New York Times - Books

D.D.: But then did you confer on the structure?

The New Yorker

But then do you laugh, or applaud in solidarity?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but then does" to introduce a contrasting action or outcome that follows a previous statement, ensuring a clear shift in thought or action. Remember that the phrase implies a sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid using "but then does" when there is no real contrast or change in action following the initial statement. Ensure that the second part of the sentence genuinely presents an opposing or unexpected development. For example, do not use it if there is no shift in the narrative or context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but then does" functions as a transitional phrase to introduce a contrast or unexpected action following an initial statement. It signals a shift in the narrative or an opposing development, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but then does" serves as a transitional element to introduce a contrasting action or an unexpected outcome that follows a preceding statement. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness is confirmed, although it is more commonly encountered in news articles and general writing than in formal academic or scientific contexts. To enhance clarity, it's crucial to ensure a genuine contrast exists when using the phrase, and its versatility can be expanded with alternatives like "however then does" or "yet then does". With a neutral register, this phrase is best suited for scenarios where a straightforward contrast needs to be communicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however then does

Replaces "but" with "however", maintaining the contrastive function but with a slightly more formal tone.

yet then does

Substitutes "but" with "yet", indicating a contrast or concession.

but does it then

Inverts the phrase order, altering the emphasis while preserving the core meaning.

but in that case does

Adds specificity by introducing a conditional element, clarifying the context of the contrasting action.

but subsequently does

Replaces "then" with "subsequently", emphasizing the temporal sequence of actions.

but thereafter does

Similar to "subsequently does", this highlights the sequential nature of the events.

but following that does

Provides a more descriptive alternative, explicitly stating the sequence of events.

nonetheless does

Omits "then" and replace "but", focusing solely on the contrastive aspect.

even so does

Similar to "nonetheless does", this emphasizes the contrast despite a preceding statement.

all the same does

Another alternative that condenses the phrase to emphasize the contrast.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "but then does" in a sentence?

Use "but then does" to indicate a contrast or a change in action following a previous statement. For instance, "She seemed uninterested at first, but then does show enthusiasm when discussing her favorite topics."

Are there any formal alternatives to "but then does" for professional writing?

Yes, you can use more formal alternatives such as "however then does" or "yet then does" to maintain a professional tone while conveying a contrast.

What's the difference between "but then does" and "but then doesn't"?

"But then does" indicates a positive action or outcome that contrasts with a previous expectation, whereas "but then doesn't" indicates a negative action or a lack of expected outcome. The choice depends on the specific contrast you wish to highlight.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but then"?

Starting a sentence with "but" is acceptable in modern English, particularly in informal contexts. However, it's essential to ensure that the sentence logically connects to the previous statement to avoid disjointed writing. Using "however" or "yet" might be more appropriate in formal writing.