unfortunately then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfortunately then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express regret or disappointment about a situation that follows a previous statement or event. Example: "I had hoped to finish the project on time; unfortunately then, unforeseen circumstances delayed my progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Unfortunately then there was the incident that involved me personally, with my team-mate [Pessotto].

The Guardian - Sport

A rowdy hip-hop party starring the Beatnuts, the long-running (and sometimes great) Latino hip-hop group from Queens: expect all the glassy-eyed, foul-mouthed anthems you want, and (unfortunately) then some.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, then, we are left for the most part, though certainly not entirely, with unfinished works in progress rather than with finished and polished productions.

SEP

Unfortunately, then you see that the things cost $250; if you wanted one for you, your brother, your momma and your greasy greasy grandma, you're talking about dropping a grand, if my math is correct (and I think that it is).

TechCrunch

Unfortunately, then, age discrimination will play a big role in celebrigenics.

Huffington Post

"But unfortunately, then all those particles get into the water supply.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Unfortunately, he then proceeds not to die.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, he then varnished it and the picture darkened.

The Guardian - Arts

Unfortunately, back then European liberals did not protest as loudly as they are doing now.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, they then run into the problem of interference with adjacent cells.

The Economist

Unfortunately since then he has not really clicked with the British public.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unfortunately then", ensure that the sequence of events is clear to the reader. This phrase works best when the unfortunate outcome is a direct and easily understood consequence of the preceding situation.

Common error

Avoid using "unfortunately then" when the connection between the initial situation and the subsequent negative outcome is weak or unclear. If the relationship is tenuous, consider using a different connector or explaining the causal chain more explicitly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfortunately then" functions as an adverbial connector, linking two clauses and indicating that the second clause presents an undesirable consequence or result stemming from the first. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it introduces a sense of regret or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unfortunately then" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that connects two events, highlighting a negative consequence stemming from the first. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express regret or disappointment. While not as common as simpler alternatives, its presence in news, scientific, and general web content suggests a relatively neutral formality. To use this phrase effectively, ensure a clear causal link between the events and be mindful of the emotional tone it conveys.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unfortunately, subsequently

Replaces "then" with "subsequently" to provide a slightly more formal tone while retaining the meaning.

Unfortunately, later

Replaces "then" with "later" for a more concise expression of the temporal sequence.

Sadly, subsequently

Replaces "unfortunately" with "sadly" and "then" with "subsequently", maintaining the sense of regret and temporal sequence.

Sadly, following that

Substitutes "sadly" for "unfortunately" and uses "following that" to express the temporal connection.

Regrettably, thereafter

Uses "regrettably" instead of "unfortunately" and "thereafter" in place of "then" to convey a more formal tone.

Regrettably, after that

Employs "regrettably" to replace "unfortunately" and "after that" for a simpler way to express the sequence.

It is unfortunate that afterwards

Rephrases using a more descriptive clause starting with "it is unfortunate", followed by "afterwards" to indicate the temporal sequence.

Sadly, in consequence

Uses "sadly" to express the regret and "in consequence" to show the result of a previous action

Sadly, later on

Uses "sadly" and a more informal "later on" instead of "then".

It's a pity that after

Rephrases the sentiment using "it's a pity" to convey regret and "after" to indicate the following event.

FAQs

How can I use "unfortunately then" in a sentence?

Use "unfortunately then" to express regret about a consequence following a previous statement. For example, "The funding was delayed; unfortunately then, we had to postpone the project."

What are some alternatives to "unfortunately then"?

You can use alternatives such as "sadly subsequently", "regrettably thereafter", or "unfortunately subsequently" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "unfortunately" before "then"?

No, the necessity depends on the context. "Then" can be used without "unfortunately" when simply indicating a sequence of events without expressing regret. "Unfortunately" adds an emotional layer of disappointment about the subsequent event.

What's the difference between "unfortunately then" and "however then"?

"Unfortunately then" implies a negative consequence following a previous event, while using "however then" suggests a contrast or a shift in the situation without necessarily implying a negative outcome.