then yet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then yet" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It is not commonly used and may not convey a clear meaning in most contexts. Example: "I thought I was done, then yet I found more work to do."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then yet another prime minister will be needed.

The Economist

In September the FDA banned imports from another Ranbaxy plant, then yet another last month.

The Economist

My life is much fuller than it was back then, yet this return felt no different.

The New Yorker

And then yet again, by disappearing, so that we can resume our normal lives.

The New York Times

But then yet another scene featured a long, mumbling monologue to a horse.

The New Yorker

I repaired it again, and then yet again, making slow, unsteady progress.

The New York Times - Arts

Then, yet again, England should have cracked this partnership – but this time Buttler is the culprit.

The Guardian - Sport

They are inexplicable even then, yet, somehow, also terrifying in their stark and awful clarity.

The Guardian - Books

Then yet another timber deal set the stage for what would become the Yellowstone Club.

The New York Times

He seemed quite normal then, yet the next day he was whipped off to hospital".

The Guardian - Sport

Get a face-lift, get another face-lift and then yet another one.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to convey a sequence followed by a contrast, break the phrase into two separate sentences or use conjunctions for better readability.

Common error

Don't use "then yet" as a simple replacement for "but" or "however". "Then yet" implies a sequence followed by an unexpected contrast, while "but" and "however" simply indicate opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then yet" functions as a conjunction phrase attempting to link sequential and contrasting ideas. It is often used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts what came before. Ludwig indicates that while used, it might not be grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then yet" attempts to combine sequence and contrast, but it often falls short of standard grammatical expectations. Ludwig indicates it's not grammatically correct. While frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, its awkwardness can hinder clarity. Opting for alternatives such as "but then" or "however" provides a stronger and more precise way to express the intended meaning. It's essential to note that although authoritative sources use the expression "then yet", it is not a best practice, and rewriting it is better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but then

Simple conjunction of sequence followed by contrast.

yet then

Inverts the order of the original phrase. It sounds slightly archaic but can emphasize the contrast.

however, then

Adds a stronger emphasis on the contrast with "however".

nevertheless, then

Uses a more formal term for contrast than "however".

and yet

Focuses solely on the contrast without implying sequence.

but even then

Emphasizes a surprising contrast even after a certain point in time.

even so

Highlights contrast, suggesting that something happens despite the previous statement.

nonetheless

A formal way to express contrast, often used in academic writing.

despite that

Indicates that something occurs in spite of a preceding condition.

even still

Implies that something remains true or occurs despite expectations.

FAQs

Is "then yet" grammatically correct?

While "then yet" appears in some writing, it's not considered standard English. It's often better to use alternatives like "but then" or "however" for clarity.

How can I use "then yet" in a sentence correctly?

Consider rephrasing the sentence using a clearer structure. For instance, instead of "He finished his work, then yet he felt restless", try "He finished his work, "but then" he felt restless".

What's the difference between "then yet" and "and yet"?

"Then yet" implies a sequence followed by a contrast, while "and yet" simply introduces a contrast without implying sequence.

What can I say instead of "then yet"?

You can use alternatives like ""but then"", "however", or "nevertheless" depending on the intended meaning and context.