I'm editing a scientific paper for someone. In some instances, the author used a comma after a sentence beginning Thus,
and in other instances he had not. I did some research and am finding conflicting info. I usually put a comma, but this site offers this:
COMMA USAGE:
Use a comma after accordingly, consequently, yes, no, however, therefore, otherwise, or a similar word used to introduce a sentence or an independent clause within a sentence.
Be sure that the word is an introductory word, not a modifier, before you use a comma after it. Also as illustrated below, no comma is necessary after the introductory word hence, thus, then, or still.However, necessary repairs must be made. (However is an introductory word.)
The Purdue OWL site seems to use a comma after Thus,
ON ANOTHER NOTE: mid-sentence he says:
a neutral complex and thus no charge separation occurs
Do I need any commas in this?
Use of comma after Thus
Moderators: Celeste Stewart, Ed
Re: Use of comma after Thus
I'm a terrible over-user of commas, and thus I'm giving you some advice.
In your inter-sentence example, a comma would slow the reader and probably introduce some clarity depending on how many words are in the sentence. Technical and scientific-minded people tend to use complex sentences that might be better broken into simple sentences, eliminating some clauses. Thus, if you could eliminate the "thus" in that sentence it might read more clearly; otherwise, put in a comma.
I hope that's helpful! Fun with commas...
In your inter-sentence example, a comma would slow the reader and probably introduce some clarity depending on how many words are in the sentence. Technical and scientific-minded people tend to use complex sentences that might be better broken into simple sentences, eliminating some clauses. Thus, if you could eliminate the "thus" in that sentence it might read more clearly; otherwise, put in a comma.
I hope that's helpful! Fun with commas...
Re: Use of comma after Thus
I would agree with Evelyn. Removing the 'thus' would be my preference.
I recently contributed to and edited a bid document which one of the other contributors had used to satify his 'thus fetish'. I ended up rewording as many of the paragraphs as possible to remove the word. The end result, in my opinion, read better and was clearer.
I recently contributed to and edited a bid document which one of the other contributors had used to satify his 'thus fetish'. I ended up rewording as many of the paragraphs as possible to remove the word. The end result, in my opinion, read better and was clearer.
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BarryDavidson
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Re: Use of comma after Thus
I can see what you mean. First question, how old is the writer(general range if unknown)? Second, what is the average age range of the readers? This might help you. Most younger readers of the paper probably wouldn't care, as well as the author him/herself.
I would keep the commas after thus if they're at the beginning of the sentence, and I'd make it consistent through the document.
The fuel cell, when positive current is run through, tends to a neutral complex. Thus, no charge separation occurs...
The salt adds a neutral complex - thus, no charge separation occurs...
In the base series boron is added along with coupling agent to a neutral complex, and thus no charge separation occurs when introduced to current.
I'd say to split the sentence if you can - hyphenate if you can't. The reason being is that "and thus" is kind of awkward. To be honest, I've seen thus with commas on both sites if used in the middle of a sentence, and after as well. It all depends on the writer and editor.
I would keep the commas after thus if they're at the beginning of the sentence, and I'd make it consistent through the document.
To be honest, that sentence can go either way depending on the context. For example:a neutral complex and thus no charge separation occurs
The fuel cell, when positive current is run through, tends to a neutral complex. Thus, no charge separation occurs...
The salt adds a neutral complex - thus, no charge separation occurs...
In the base series boron is added along with coupling agent to a neutral complex, and thus no charge separation occurs when introduced to current.
I'd say to split the sentence if you can - hyphenate if you can't. The reason being is that "and thus" is kind of awkward. To be honest, I've seen thus with commas on both sites if used in the middle of a sentence, and after as well. It all depends on the writer and editor.