but then time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but then time" is not a complete or standard expression in written English, making it unclear in its usage.
It could be used in a context where you are contrasting a previous statement with a consideration of time, but it requires additional context to be meaningful. Example: "I thought I could finish the project quickly, but then time slipped away from me."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But then time passes …" Coogan agrees.

The Guardian

But then, time has stood still for so long.

The New York Times

But then Time Inc became the Soviet Union.

The Guardian - Opinion

But then time passes, and the boy forgets about her.

The New Yorker

But then, time was when to be the New Something actually meant something.

The Guardian - Music

But then time moves at its own sweet, slow pace at Augusta.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But then times got tougher for him personally as well as professionally.

The New York Times

History would bear out this opinion, but then times do change, and every meltdown has new wrinkles.

Forbes

But then, from time to time, racing does that sort of thing.

Los Angeles Times

(Group C) But then the time flies by, you don't realised where the time has gone and you had a workout, but you had a laugh.

BMJ Open

But then each time we met again it was, to her, as fresh as the first time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "but then time" with more specific phrases like "however, as time went on" or "eventually, time brought about" to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but then time" when the temporal aspect is already implied. Overusing it can lead to wordiness and weaken the impact of your writing. For example, instead of saying "I was confident, but then time made me nervous", write a more direct phrase like "I was confident, but I grew nervous."

Linguistic Context

Conjunction Phrase: "But then time" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting a previous statement with a consideration of the effect or passage of time. As Ludwig AI notes, its meaning is often context-dependent.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but then time" serves as a conjunction phrase that introduces a shift or change related to the passage of time. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI indicates it can sometimes be vague and context-dependent, suggesting that more specific phrasing may often be preferable. Predominantly used in News & Media, it signifies transformations occurring over a period, as highlighted in the example sentences. To enhance clarity in writing, consider using alternatives such as "however, as time went on" or "eventually, time brought about". Avoid redundant usage by ensuring that the temporal aspect isn't already implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, as time went on

Replaces "but then" with "however" and adds the explicit temporal element "as time went on".

later, as time passed

Uses "later" to indicate a point in time after the initial situation.

as time wore on, though

Emphasizes the gradual change happening over time, despite an initial condition.

yet, with the passage of time

Uses "yet" instead of "but then" and emphasizes the gradual progression of time.

after a while, time revealed

Indicates a period of waiting before a change or realization occurs.

subsequently, time elapsed

Replaces "but then" with "subsequently", focusing on the sequence of events after a period.

in due course, time showed

Emphasizes that something happens predictably after a certain amount of time.

eventually, time brought about

Highlights the final outcome of a process occurring over time.

with the unfolding of time, nevertheless

Focuses on the reveal or the progression of events over time.

in the fullness of time, however

Suggests that a significant amount of time is needed for something to occur.

FAQs

How can I use "but then time" in a sentence?

Use "but then time" to show how something changes or evolves over time. For example, "I felt optimistic at first, but then time revealed the challenges ahead."

What are some alternatives to "but then time"?

Consider using alternatives like "however as time went on", "eventually time brought about", or "later as time passed" depending on the specific context.

Is "but then time" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "but then time" can sometimes sound awkward or redundant. It's more effective to use clearer and more precise phrasing to convey the intended meaning.

What does "but then time" imply in a narrative?

In a narrative, "but then time" typically implies a shift in circumstances, feelings, or outcomes as a result of the passage of time. It often introduces a sense of change or realization.