but then when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but then when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrasting situation or a change in circumstances that occurs after a previous statement. Example: "I thought I had everything planned out, but then when the weather changed, we had to adjust our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But then when is he up?

The New York Times

But then when it happened..

The Guardian - Film

But then, when Carl least expects it, he's called.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"But then when you're home there's a reality check.

The New Yorker

But then when it went live, I got hooked, straightaway.

The New York Times

But then when I got there the fear went away.

The Guardian

But then when I had to go out again..

The New Yorker

But then, when weapons are for sale, isn't everyone?

The Guardian - Film

But then, when he was thirteen, his father died.

The New Yorker

But then when you finish, you feel so proud.

The New York Times

But then when I tried to see it through Dion's eyes, I could feel his … disappointment.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but then when" to clearly indicate a shift in circumstances or a contrasting event following an initial situation. It's best used when the timing of the second event is relevant to the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "but then when" repeatedly in adjacent sentences. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your transitional phrases for better flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but then when" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two clauses while indicating a contrast and specifying a time. Ludwig AI demonstrates its function as a connector of events with a temporal relationship, evident in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

20%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but then when" is a common and grammatically correct conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrasting event or a change in circumstances that occurs after a specific time. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage, particularly in news and media, and to a lesser extent in academic contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons, and to consider synonyms like "however, when" or "yet, when" for variety. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, making it suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet when

Similar to "but then when", but without the "then".

however, when

Uses "however" to indicate contrast instead of "but".

but afterward when

Replaces "then" with "afterward" clarifying the sequence of events.

but later when

Indicates a time shift using "later".

but subsequently when

Adds emphasis on the temporal order using "subsequently".

however, upon

Replaces "but then" with a simple contrast and introduction of time.

yet, upon

Similar to 'however, upon', but with a slightly stronger sense of contrast.

subsequently, upon

Focuses on the sequential aspect, emphasizing that the second event follows the first.

but after that, when

More verbose, explicitly stating the sequence of events.

thereafter, when

More formal and emphasizes the chronological order of events.

FAQs

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

Use "but then when" to introduce a contrasting event or situation that occurs after a prior one. For example, "I thought I was prepared, but then when the unexpected happened, I panicked."

What phrases are similar to "but then when"?

Alternatives include "however, when", "yet when", or "subsequently, when" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use both "but then" and "when" together?

While it might seem redundant, the phrase "but then when" is a common construction used to emphasize both the contrasting nature (but then) and the timing (when) of the subsequent event.

Which is correct, "but then when" or "but when"?

Both "but then when" and "but when" are grammatically acceptable. The inclusion of "then" often serves to add emphasis on the sequence of events, although in some context one may work better than the other depending on the type of emphasis you want to achieve.