but then
Conversely, we discover
But then introduces a counterpoint or complicating factor that follows logically from what was just said.
It often signals that an initial judgment needs qualification: She's not the friendliest person, but then she's been through a lot.
The phrase can also mark a return to expected reality after surprise: I was shocked he failed—but then, he never did study.
Introduces a contrasting point
- neverthelessDespite what preceded
- yetStill, or eventually
- stillUnmoving, or continuing
- nonethelessDespite what preceded
on the other hand · instead · conversely · even so · unexpectedly · surprisingly · plot twist · twist
Involuntary past memory
- meanwhileDuring the intervening time
- out of nowhereWithout apparent origin
- suddenlyWithout prior indication
- all of a suddenWithout any prior indication
Surprising disclosed truth
- epiphanySudden profound insight
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- watershedDrainage area boundary
- game-changerSomething transforming everything
pivotal moment · twist of fate · sudden change · transformation · realization · shift · turning point · crossroads
State of awaiting something
- tensionStretched or strained state
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- forebodingFearful anticipation of harm
dread · expectation · pause · buildup · dramatic pause · ominous · apprehension · edge-of-your-seat
however
Introduces a contrasting point
- neverthelessDespite what preceded
- yetStill, or eventually
- stillUnmoving, or continuing
nonetheless · on the other hand · instead · conversely · even so · unexpectedly · surprisingly · plot twist · twist · reversal
flashback
Involuntary past memory
- meanwhileDuring the intervening time
- out of nowhereWithout apparent origin
- suddenlyWithout prior indication
revelation
Surprising disclosed truth
- epiphanySudden profound insight
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- watershedDrainage area boundary
pivotal moment · game-changer · twist of fate · sudden change · transformation · realization · shift · turning point · crossroads · defining moment
anticipation
State of awaiting something
- tensionStretched or strained state
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
foreboding · dread · expectation · pause · buildup · dramatic pause · ominous · apprehension · edge-of-your-seat · pregnant pause
- concession phrasesadmittedly, granted, that said, in fairness, having said that
- conjunctionsand, or, for, nor, so
but thenand so
Logical connector forward
therefore · consequently · thus · hence · as a result
but thenand then
Narrative transition phrase
furthermore · moreover · sure enough · in addition · what's more