[Grammar] Using commas before and after 'then'

[antelope]

Why would you use a comma before and after than?

For example, 'It isn't in the least surprising, then, that once he realised that there was no one familiar at the reception, he retired to his condo'.

 

[Rover_KE]

I wouldn't. I'd only use a comma after 'then', where a natural break occurs.

 

[bhaisahab]

I think the commas are OK.

 

[Tarheel]

Why would you use a comma before and after than?

For example, 'It isn't in the least surprising, then, that once he realised that there was no one familiar at the reception, he retired to his condo'.

If you were reading that aloud and you would naturally pause where the commas are then you would agree with the comma placement. If you would not pause at those places then you would not agree with the comma placement.

 

[emsr2d2]

Why would you use a comma before and after [STRIKE]than[/STRIKE] "then"?

Check your spelling before you post. Thanks.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I would definitely use the comma after "then". I could go either way with the one before.