When to use comma after time adverbs

Question

I am trying to say sentences like:

Then by doing this thing, this happens

Now after selecting this option, this happens

By doing this, now we can do this

Should they get comma after "then" and "now":

Then, by doing this thing, this happens

Now, after selecting this option, this happens

By doing this, now, we can do this

Read your sentences out loud, trying to emulate natural pauses or gaps between the words. This should indicate where your commas are. Example 1 Example 2. — JMB, Commented Jun 22, 2015 at 8:16
@JMB I thought there is a rule! if I can use both, I prefer the first one, cause I think "then by doing this" is a complete phrase — Ahmad, Commented Jun 22, 2015 at 8:23
Actually the complete phrase is "then...this happens" and "by doing this" is parenthetical. Then, having done that, this happens. or When we do that, this happens. — TimR, Commented Jun 22, 2015 at 10:22

Steve Ives · Accepted Answer · 2015-06-22 08:43:54Z

2

Both are good, although I think the second examples are slightly better. What you are saying is :

Then (by doing this thing) this happens

Now (after selecting this option) this happens

By doing this (now) we can do this

answered Jun 22, 2015 at 8:43

Steve Ives

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