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Snarf Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Then Comma

I get confused about sentences and statements that end with "then" sometimes:

“I’ll just have to put an end to the both of you then," he said.

Is a comma before "then" there mandatory or optional? I don't hear a pause when I hear him say it in my head.

Thanks.
  

Top answer

I always use a comma before then when it means in that case and ends the sentence. The comma serves to forestall any misinterpretation of the meaning of the word.

— RandomGuy

  • I always use a comma before then when it means in that case and ends the sentence.
  • The comma serves to forestall any misinterpretation of the meaning of the word.
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3 Answers
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I always use a comma before then when it means in that case and ends the sentence. The comma serves to forestall any misinterpretation of the meaning of the word.
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Right. Well, in this case the sentence has before it (and after it, for that matter) a series of actions and dialogue that make it more than clear what the "then" means. There is no way that it can mean "at that time," no way.
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SnarfThere is no way that it can mean "at that time," no way.
Still. Why not keep things simple and consistent?
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