Question

Hi, I'm in a heated debate with someone about the following joke/lesson; "I'd rather cuddle then have sex. If you're good with grammar, you'll get it." ... I understand the entire point is to distinguish between "then" and "than," but I maintain if the first sentence were constructed correctly, a comma is necessary between cuddle and then, which makes the whole point moot. Because if you are good at grammar, you'd realize the comma is needed. But someone rebuffed my argument. I don't know all the verbiage behind the rules, but I know a comma is necessary, or at least I think I do. Am I right?

Answer 1

I'd rather cuddle, "then" have sex. I'd rather rather cuddle, "than" have sex. I think it could work with or without the comma. It's only making a pause when you read it.

Answer 2

actually if you put a comma before than, then it will become very weird. Also, I don't think you should put a comma before then. If then functions as a transition for time, then you don't use commas. However, as you can see from my two "then"s in this sentence, you'll see that i put a comma before then if "then" functions as a CONDITION.

does that help?

Answer 3

You usually use commas before then if the sentence is an "if-then" sentence. Like what my two sentences above.

If blah blah, then blah blah

but if it is just to distinguish and transition time, no commas.

She walked in the store then bought some milk.

However, if there is an "and" preceding then, then you use a comma

She walked in the store, and then bought some milk