however then

USAGE SUMMARY

The answer is yes, "however then" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are contrasting two ideas, as in the following example: I thought I wouldn't need a coat, however then the weather changed and it became much cooler.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, then the ring starts to rotate.

Independent

If not Butler-Sloss, however, then who?

The Guardian - Opinion

However, then there's the other frisky side to their lordships.

The Guardian - Opinion

9.11pm GMT However, then Robin Thicke goes on to sing a song that isn't Blurred Lines.

The Guardian - Music

If it's possible, however, then no one is more qualified for the challenge than Michelle Obama.

The Guardian

If Russia's central aim is security rather than expansion, however, then two things follow.

The Guardian - Opinion

If they fail to act, however, then I don't have any problem with federal action".

The New York Times

The Frenchman, however, then settled any nerves with a quite brilliant individual goal after 64 minutes.

Independent

If the Fed is serious about sticking with 2% inflation, however, then it will disagree.

The Economist

Mr. Gladwell, however, then goes further, suggesting that the turnaround was "an act of financial engineering".

The New York Times

If you receive the money in a lump sum, however, then it's taxable all at once.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "however then", ensure the "then" part introduces a direct consequence or next step that follows the contrasting statement.

Common error

Avoid using "however then" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony. Consider alternatives like "nevertheless subsequently" or "yet subsequently" to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "however then" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two clauses. It indicates a contrast introduced by "however", immediately followed by a sequential event or result signified by "then". Ludwig shows frequent use of this construction across various source types.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "however then" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to introduce a contrast followed by a sequential event or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While suitable for most writing styles, varying your transitional phrases and avoiding overuse is important for maintaining readability. Consider alternatives such as "nevertheless subsequently" to enhance your writing. This phrase functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase with a neutral register, making it a versatile tool for expressing complex relationships between ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nevertheless subsequently

Maintains the sense of contrast followed by a sequence, but is more formal.

nonetheless afterward

Similar to "however then", but emphasizes the consequence of the initial statement.

yet subsequently

A concise alternative, replacing "however" with "yet" for a simpler contrast.

still afterward

Indicates that something happens despite a previous action, with emphasis on time.

on the other hand subsequently

Presents a direct contrast followed by a sequence of events.

conversely afterward

Emphasizes the reversal of a situation followed by a subsequent action.

in contrast subsequently

Highlights a clear difference before mentioning a following event.

despite that afterward

Acknowledges a preceding fact that doesn't prevent the following event.

regardless subsequently

Similar to "despite that", but focuses on ignoring any prior obstacles.

that said subsequently

Introduces a contrasting point before transitioning to a related event.

FAQs

What does "however then" mean in a sentence?

"However then" indicates a contrast to a previous statement, followed by a sequential event or consequence. It's used to show that despite what was just said, something else happened afterward.

Which is more appropriate, "however then" or "however"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "however then" when you want to emphasize both the contrast and the subsequent event. If you only need to show contrast, "however" alone is sufficient.

Can I replace "however then" with "but then"?

Yes, "but then" can often replace "however then", especially in informal contexts. However, "however then" may sound more formal or emphatic. Consider using alternatives like "yet subsequently" for a similar effect.

Is "however then" considered formal or informal?

"However then" sits in a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal writing, as confirmed by Ludwig. However, in very formal contexts, alternatives like "nevertheless subsequently" may be preferred.