Do You Put a Comma After “Then” in a Sentence?

Do you ever struggle with commas? Do those pesky little punctuation marks make your head spin trying to figure out if, when, and where they should be placed in a sentence?

If you’ve ever found yourself hesitating on the proper way to use a comma before “finally,” then this blog post is for you.

We’ll dive into the various rules around using commas correctly and provide an all-important refresher on how (and why!) to use them in general.

The answer to the question “Do you put a comma after ‘then’ in a sentence?” depends on how you use “then.” Generally, a comma isn’t necessary when you use it as a temporal adverb.

But if the phrase is long or complex, it could be better to use it for clarity. When you use “then” at the start of a sentence when preceded by a semicolon, place a comma after it.

However, when “then” is functioning as a conjunction to connect two independent clauses, a comma after it wouldn’t be correct. While not always necessary, using a comma after “then” may be helpful for emphasis or clarity in certain contexts.

Do You Need a Comma After “Then”?

Generally, when “then” is used as a temporal adverb, no comma is needed.

I went to the store then came back home.

The above sentence doesn’t require a comma, as it expresses a sequence of events. If the sentence is longer or more complex though, a comma after “then” may be better for clarity.

After doing my chores, I went for a walk, then returned to the office, and began working on the project.

When “then” appears at the beginning of a sentence in an introductory modifying role, a comma should always follow it.

Then, I went for a walk.

Then, she understood she was making a mistake.

Here, the comma helps distinguish between the adverb and what follows it.

Likewise, when “then” follows a semicolon separating two independent clauses, skip the comma.

You need to write your paper; then you can leave.

 “Then” as a Temporal Adverb

The temporal adverb ‘then’ is often incorrectly used with commas when indicating the order of an event or situation. To use “then” correctly, you shouldn’t place a comma before or after it.

She walked fast then stopped.

Many mistakenly place a comma between “fast” and “then”, where there shouldn’t be one.

However, in some situations, you may need a comma for clarity or emphasis.

I was from the long walk in the park, then I remembered another trail I had forgotten about.

When unsure whether to include a comma after “then,” it’s best to make sure that the sentence reads clearly without it.

Taking time to think about how each phrase works individually within its sentence can help avoid both over- and under-use of commas with this temporal adverb.

“Then” as a Transitional Adverb

Yes, you generally require a comma when “then” is used as a transitional adverb in a sentence. A transitional adverb is a word that helps to link ideas or contrast them.

When “then” is used in this way, it usually signals a shift or contrast between two parts of the sentence.

I believed the movie would be great, but then I saw the trailer.

In this sentence, “then” is used as a transitional adverb to signal a shift in the speaker’s opinion. In this case, a comma is necessary after “then” to separate the two clauses and clarify the relationship between them.

The sky was clear; then, it began raining.

In this sentence, “then” is used as a transitional adverb to signal a change in the weather. Here again, a comma is necessary after “then” to signal the transition and emphasize the contrast between the two parts of the sentence.

Overall, when you use “then” as a transitional adverb, a comma is necessary to separate it from the preceding clause. It also clarifies the relationship between the two parts of the sentence.

Then as an Adverb at the Beginning of a Sentence

You can use the word “then” as an adverb at the beginning of a sentence to indicate a time in the past or future. When using “then” at the beginning of a sentence, it’s important to use a comma after it to avoid confusion or ambiguity.

Then he went home.

If you use then with the comma, it could be interpreted as meaning that he went home because of something that happened before. However, without the comma, it would be clear that you are simply stating when he went home.

When using “then” as a conjunction, there is no need for a comma after it.

He was happy then he went home.

Here no comma is necessary since this sentence implies that his going home was due to his happiness.

Also, when using “then” as an adverb in the middle of a sentence, there is also no need for a comma.

He walked to the door then turned.

Here no comma would be necessary since this sentence implies that his turning was due to him walking to the door.

Then After a Semicolon

Semicolons are an important part of punctuation that you can use to join two independent clauses in a sentence.

When using a semicolon, place a comma after the word “then” when it follows the semicolon.

This signals the continuation of the sentence and helps to make your writing clearer.

When “then” follows a semicolon, a comma should come after “then” to signal the resumption of the sentence.

She finished her work; then, she went for a walk.

The use of a semicolon signals a strong connection between two independent clauses.

Adding “then” after the semicolon emphasizes the relationship between the two ideas. In this context, a comma after “then” acts as a separator, indicating that “then” is not part of the independent clause but instead introduces a new element in the sentence.

I will call you tomorrow; you can give me an answer then.

You would need to include a comma after “then” for correct punctuation. This is because “then” is not a coordinating conjunction but rather an adverb that indicates time or sequence.

“Then” as a Conjunction

Using “then” as a conjunction has caused a lot of confusion over the years, particularly in terms of correct punctuation.

When you use “then” to connect two independent clauses, its use should not be preceded by a comma.

He arrived late and then she left early.

To make sure you’re using it correctly, take out the word “then” from the sentence. If it still makes sense without it, don’t use a comma.

The word “then” is often used as a coordinating conjunction, connecting two independent clauses. In this case you don’t need a comma after then.

He went jogging and then he prepared his protein shake.

Using “then” correctly can be tricky because it can also be used as an adverb.

In these cases, you may need a comma.

For example, if we use the same sentence as before but change it to:

I went swimming, then I took a shower.

Here the comma is necessary because “then” is an adverb to indicate time.

It’s easy to make mistakes when using “then” as a conjunction. So, it’s important to pay attention to punctuation and context clues.

When in doubt, try replacing the word with another coordinating conjunction like “and” or “but” and see if that makes more sense in the sentence.

Other Uses and Variations Of “Then” In Sentences

“Then” is a versatile word which you can use in many ways. You can use it as an adverb to refer to a time in the past or future as in the following example.

They then thought that the water was magical.

You can also use it as a conjunctive adverb to indicate what happens next, such as:

Walked to the door, then turned.

You can also use “then” adjectivally to refer to something that happened at a particular time in the past or future.

For example: “the then President” refers to someone who held the office of President at a certain point in time.

Also, it can act as an interjection to express agreement with something previously said, such as “Yes, then.”

The implications of these variations for comma usage and sentence structure depend on how you use it. When using it as an adverb or conjunctive adverb, it should usually be preceded by a comma. However, when using it adjectivally or interjectionally, no comma should be included before it.

Do You Use a Comma When “Then” Joins Two Independent Clauses

When using “then” to connect two independent clauses, the general rule is that you should use a comma.

For instance, if you’re writing something like “I went to the store, then I went to the bank” you need to have a comma between these two clauses.

This helps signal to readers that “then” is connecting two sentences instead of modifying the first one.

It may seem tricky at first but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.

Do You Use a Comma When “Then” Connects Two Dependent Clauses

The general rule is yes – if you want your sentences to read effectively, you should place a comma between the two clauses when connecting them with “then”.

I got dressed quickly, then I brushed my hair.

It helps readers to identify each clause and understand the connection between them.

When “Then” Connects a Dependent and Independent Clause, Do You Use a Comma?

When “then” connects a dependent and independent clause, a comma is not needed.

“Then” can act as a subordinating conjunction to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. In this case, “then” is serving as a conjunction, rather than an adverb.

If it rains, then we will stay inside.

In this sentence, “then” is used to connect the dependent clause “If it rains” to the independent clause “we will stay inside.”

Since “then” serves as a subordinating conjunction in this context, a comma is not needed.

However, there are some cases where a comma may be necessary after “then” even when it connects a dependent and independent clause.

For example, if the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, place a comma after “then” to set off the dependent clause.

We will stay inside, then, if it rains.

In this sentence, “then” is still used to connect the dependent clause to the independent clause. Place the comma to indicate that “then” is also serving as an adverb to introduce a new element in the sentence.

Overall, a comma after “then” is not generally needed when it connects a dependent and independent clause. But there may be some situations where a comma adds clarity or emphasis.

Conclusion

Trying to answer the age-old question of just when should we break out the comma?

Well, the verdict on using one after then is that it really depends. Although temporal adverbs and conjunctions don’t call for a comma, certain structures do. For example, beginning sentences with “then,” being preceded by a semicolon, or using it as a transitional adverb require a comma.

Of course, these rules can get tricky. Sentence length, clause relationship and writing structure all have their own say in when that little punctuation mark should be used.

So, maybe the comma isn’t so black-and-white after all?