In relation to “then”, it may be somewhat tricky to make a decision when the usage of a comma is suitable. It’s because it may be utilized in a myriad of how, each and every unrelated to one any other.
“Then” may be a phrase that you’re going to have incorporated continuously on your writing, which is why we’ve made it some degree to make positive that you just’re absolutely up to velocity on how to use commas after “then”.
Let’s dive into the beef of what makes hanging a comma after “then” essential.
Table of Contents
Is a comma after “then” required?
“Then” is most commonly used as a temporal adverb, so together with a comma after “then” is senseless because it breaks up the sentence needlessly. When “then” is used as an adverb firstly of the sentence, alternatively, a comma must be presented following it. A comma after “then” may be essential when it’s preceded via a semicolon. Moreover, if “then’ is used as a conjunction, hanging a comma after it’s not thought to be to be grammatically right kind. Total, a comma after “then’ isn’t required, alternatively, there are a few events during which you may deem essential.
When “then” is used as a temporal adverb
After we use “then” as a temporal adverb, a comma must now not be positioned following it.
As an adverb, “then”, is used to exchange the meaning of the sentence, having a powerful have an effect on at the reader’s figuring out:
As you’ll be able to see above, “then” isn’t adopted via a comma. That is the proper approach of structuring the sentence as it doesn’t isolate “then” from the verb which it highlights: “to develop into”.
A temporal adverb should all the time be incorporated as a continual a part of an unbiased clause, slightly than a separate one. You should utilize this situation as steerage if you find yourself taking a look to write educational papers and skilled correspondence.
In Instance 2, “then” is adopted via a comma, which is unsuitable. As discussed above, “then” shouldn’t be adopted via a comma when it’s as a temporal adverb.
You may have spotted that this situation isn’t as simple to learn as the primary one.
When “Then” is positioned firstly of the sentence
If “then” is positioned to start with of a sentence, slightly than to start with, a comma can also be positioned according to rhythm and tone. The examples underneath will spotlight this rule:
On this instance, “then” is used as an introductory adverb; its serve as is to begin a brand new clause. Then again, a comma after “then” isn’t presented on this case to create a faster rhythm.
In educational papers {and professional} settings you wouldn’t use this sentence construction as it comes throughout as extra convivial.
This case showcases a sentence construction this is universally thought to be to be grammatically right kind. On this case, a comma is positioned after “then”, which separates “then” as an introductory adverb from the remainder of the sentence.
The rhythm of the sentence is interrupted on the comma to pause the reader. You should utilize this situation as steerage when writing in skilled settings.
What about when “then” is preceded via a semicolon?
When “then” is used after a semicolon, a comma must be positioned. The following examples will spotlight this rule:
“Then” acts as a form of conjunction on this case, because it creates a bridge between the 2 separate portions of the sentence.
A semicolon is positioned after “her”, whilst a comma is positioned after “then”.
It’s because, in a similar fashion as to when “then” I used as an introductory adverb, “then” is presented to begin an very important clause, break free the remaining.
Following this situation, the sentence will likely be damaged up in some way that makes it more uncomplicated for the reader to interact. A comma after “then”, whether it is preceded via a semicolon, is essential.
Within the above instance, a comma after “then” isn’t positioned, which is unsuitable. It is vital for “then” to be adopted via a comma on this case.
“Then” as a conjunction
Within the examples underneath, how to use a comma when “then” is used as a conjunction will likely be highlighted.
That is what academics will refer to as an “if/then” sentence building. When “if” is used as an introductory adverb and “then” is used as a conjunction, a comma must now not be positioned after “then”. Right here’s one:
Within the instance above, “then” connects two portions of the sentence. It modifies the tips given as it provides temporal context, placing a very powerful meaning onto the sentence. “Then” isn’t remoted via commas to create a continual go with the flow.
On this case, “then” additionally connects two portions of the sentence, however it’s remoted. It is a grammatical selection that’s not universally approved.
You’ll come with commas on your writing, in case you deem it suitable, to permit tone to come throughout, alternatively you must now not use the instance above as steerage.
Conclusion
Due to this fact, we will be able to deduct from those examples {that a} comma after “then” isn’t essential, alternatively, it’s now and again really useful.
A comma after “then” may also be positioned to emphasize tone and rhythm, making it an out of this world stylistic selection.
Being acutely aware of how to use the fitting punctuation is likely one of the best issues that you’ll be able to do to fortify your writing. As you proceed to advance, you’re going to in reality notice how commas have the ability to have an effect on your texts.
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