but then with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but then with" is not standard in written English and may lead to confusion.
It could be used in informal contexts where a contrast or addition is being made, but clarity is essential. Example: "I wanted to go for a walk, but then with the rain starting, I decided to stay inside."

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But then, with the clothes off, you can never tell.

The New Yorker

I'm too small, but then with the boobs..

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But then, with five minutes left in the first half, everything changed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He said no, but then, with a twinkle in his eye, said he probably should have.

The New York Times - Sports

But then, with less than 50 metres to go, something astonishing happens.

The Guardian - Sport

But then with the depression of the 1930s, general hospitals shifted toward a more "public" stance.

Harvard Business Review

It incorporates the map, but then with details of the forms, the filing info, and common flags and warnings.

Stanford University

But then, with our crust-cutting experiments completed, it was time to clean up.

The New York Times

But then, with 41 minutes on the clock, came the moment that frustrated Bilic.

The Guardian - Sport

But then with an effortful grunt he pulled himself back up.

The Guardian

But then, with a smile, he added, "I don't have much experience".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if a more precise connector would better serve the meaning. Is it truly a contrast ("however"), or a sequence ("subsequently") that you intend to convey?

Common error

Avoid using "but then with" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated connectors like "however, moreover" or "nevertheless, including" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but then with" functions as a conjunction to introduce a contrasting or sequential event alongside an additional element or circumstance. Ludwig AI suggests that, while frequent, the phrase may not be the most elegant choice in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but then with" is a commonly used conjunction phrase that introduces a contrasting or sequential element alongside an additional detail. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig notes that it may not be the most sophisticated choice for formal writing. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it clearly indicates a shift in the situation and is not overused, especially in formal writing. Consider alternatives such as "however with" or "subsequently with" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, also considering

Similar to the original, but uses "however" for contrast and explicitly states that something else is being considered.

however, with that

Replaces the conjunction "but then" with "however" to indicate contrast, maintaining the addition of "with that".

yet, along with that

Uses "yet" instead of "but then" to signal a contrast or unexpected development, while retaining the additional element introduced by "with that".

subsequently, including

Replaces "but then" with "subsequently" to emphasize the sequential nature of events, and "with" is replaced by "including".

thereafter, accompanied by

Indicates a sequence of events, replacing "but then" with "thereafter" and changing "with" to "accompanied by" for a formal tone.

following that, in addition to

Replaces "but then" with "following that" to highlight the temporal sequence, and "with" is substituted by "in addition to".

conversely, incorporating

Uses "conversely" to introduce a contrast while also indicating the inclusion or integration of something.

on the other hand, featuring

Introduces a contrasting perspective using "on the other hand" and replaces "with" to mean featuring something.

alternatively, considering

Presents an alternative perspective or option, while taking something else into account.

in contrast, plus

Highlights a contrast while adding an element or factor to the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "but then with" to introduce a contrasting element along with an additional detail. For example: "The weather forecast predicted sunshine, but then with the unexpected storm, we had to cancel our picnic".

What are some alternatives to "but then with"?

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

Is "but then with" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "but then with" is not always considered grammatically elegant. In formal writing, consider more precise conjunctions. However, it is generally acceptable in informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "but then with"?

"But then with" is suitable when you want to show a contrast or shift in events while also introducing an additional factor or detail. It works well in narratives and informal discussions.