When to put a comma before “then” Use a comma with “then” when it’s at the start of a conditional clause, part of a coordinating conjunction, or at the end of a conditional sentence. Other times, you don’t need the comma before “then”.
Should you put a comma before the word then?
- Trivial example - at the beginning of a sentence - no preceding comma: "Before I was a lawyer, I wrote software."
- Example in the middle of a sentence - no comma: "I wrote software before I was a lawyer."
- Example in the middle of a sentence - with comma: "Although I previously had done many things, before I was a lawyer, I wrote software."
Do you need a comma before the word then?
When “then” means “at that time,” it is an adverb and needs no punctuation; otherwise, it is a throwaway word and needs commas. In your sentence, I think it is an adverb and does not need commas. I am glad you are finding them useful. Margie
Do you use a comma before and after therefore?
“Therefore” should always be followed up with a comma. This is because there is a natural pause after “therefore” when it is included in a sentence. Without the comma the sentence may sound rushed to readers. For example, “I love spending time in nature.
Is there a comma after then at the beginning of a sentence?
We do not need to include a comma after “then” at the beginning of a sentence. It’s used to introduce a resulting idea and flows straight into the sentence. A comma is only needed when the clause has to be broken up (which it doesn’t).
How do you use a comma with then?
The word "then" can function as several parts of speech. For comma usage, the most important usage is as a conjunction. In theory, "then" is not a coordinating conjunction (like "and", "or"), but sometimes it is used as such. Example: I went to bed, then I started dreaming.
Do I put a comma after then?
When “then” is used as an adverb at the beginning of the sentence, however, a comma should be introduced following it. A comma after “then” is also necessary when it is preceded by a semicolon. Additionally, if “then' is used as a conjunction, placing a comma after it is not considered to be grammatically correct.
Should a sentence start with then?
Yes, you can start a sentence with then. However, the clause that begins with then should go last: She asked, "Could I have a drink of your water?" I said, "No, you can't." Then she walked away.
How do you use the word then in a sentence?
Then sentence exampleThen he picked up another box. ... Then he turned to do it all in reverse. ... She said something and then rode ahead. ... Then she ran straight into the fence - like she didn't see it. ... Alex glanced at Jonathan and then rubbed the top of his head. ... Her lower lip pushed out and then she started to cry.More items...
Why do we need a comma in a sentence?
The comma is necessary because both clauses (which are independent clauses) have equal grammatical weight. It is true that “then” is technically not a coordinating conjunction, in the above example or anywhere else. In the example, it is actually an adverbial. However, its use is very similar to an “and” “but,” or “or.”.
What is conditional clause?
Conditional clauses describe cause and effect relationships. The comma helps to make it clear that the “then” is another way of saying “as a result of” an “if” statement. For example, if you are trying to explain the consequences of an action, you might write, “If you refuse to take out the trash, then you will get in trouble with your parents.”. ...
Do you need a comma when you write "then"?
In that example, you do not need the comma. However, you should use the comma if you are not using the “and,” such as when you write, “He sped down the road, then got pulled over.”. In this instance, the “then” still expresses cause and effect, even without the “if” of a conditional, causal clause. Also, you would need a comma if you were making ...
Do you use a comma in a time mark?
Commas are also employed to denote time-marking clauses, and in between independent clauses separated by an “or,” “and,” or “but.”. These standards are excellent advice when it comes to clarity. However, they do not necessarily answer every question about proper comma usage in formal writing. This is especially true when it comes to clauses ...
Do you put a comma before "then"?
In sentences that have conditional clauses (aka, “if/then” statements), you should put a comma before a “then” that separates those clauses. Also, if the “then” separates two independent clauses (clauses that could be grammatically complete sentences), there should also be a comma before it.
When to use a comma in a listing?
A comma should also be used when listing - "We drove home, then parked the car and then finally went inside.". A comma should be placed before and after "then". From the example: "We drove home, then, parked the car, and then, finally went inside.".
Is there a comma for pause in reading?
Notwithstanding the article cautions that the use of a comma for " a pause in reading is not always a reliable reason to use a comma", I believe providing a cue to pause remains a very important consideration. In particular for someone reading aloud. Sadly, this is something often lost in modern day writing.