a comma with then

[rsuen]

Dear Teacher:

When I am reading books I always see a sentence structure like this "......... , then ........." . I am very much wondering the meaning of ", + then " Can I omit the comma and will the meaning be different?

Thanks

Ray

 

[Francois]

I went to my bedroom, then slept for two solid hours.
If you like technical games, then chess is certainly for you.

I don't think you can do away with the commas.

FRC

 

[MikeNewYork]

Dear Teacher:

When I am reading books I always see a sentence structure like this "......... , then ........." . I am very much wondering the meaning of ", + then " Can I omit the comma and will the meaning be different?

Thanks

Ray

You can omit the comma sometimes if it is "and then". Check the commas in the dictionary examples:

then (THĕn)
adv.
At that time: I was still in school then. Come at noon; I'll be ready then.
Next in time, space, or order; immediately afterward: watched the late movie and then went to bed.
In addition; moreover; besides: It costs $20, and then there's the sales tax to pay.
Used after but to qualify or balance a preceding statement: The star was nervous, but then who isn't on the first night of a new play.
In that case; accordingly: If traffic is heavy, then allow extra time.
As a consequence; therefore: The case, then, is closed.