Rule 1: Put a comma before “thus” when it starts the sentence and modifies all the words the sentence contains.
- Correct: We didn’t take a map. Thus, he got us lost after half an hour.
- Incorrect: We didn’t take a map. Thus he got us lost after half an hour.
Rule 2: When “thus” connects two independent clauses, you should put a semicolon before it and a comma afterward.
- Correct: They had no experience in marketing; thus, they were not effective at the task.
- Incorrect: They had no experience in marketing, thus, they were not effective at the task.
- Incorrect: They had no experience in marketing, thus they were not effective at the task.
Rule 3: When “thus” is a non-essential word in a sentence, the comma is optional.
- Correct: He went out without money for the bus, and, thus, he had to walk home.
- Correct: He went out without money for the bus, and thus he had to walk home.
Rule 4: You do not need to use a comma when “thus” interrupts a clause, and the interruption is mild.
- Correct: Maria was cooking a lasagna. Her kitchen thus smelt of baked cheese.
- Correct: Maria was cooking a lasagna. Her kitchen, thus, smelt of baked cheese.
Rule 5: Do not use a comma with “thus” when it means “like this” or “in this way.”
- Correct: He was thus annoyed with what he was hearing and left the meeting.
- Incorrect: He was thus, annoyed with what he was hearing and left the meeting.
Keep reading to learn more about how you can use commas correctly with the term “thus.”
When to Use a Comma After “Thus”
When deciding whether to use a comma after “thus,” you should refer to Rules 1-3.
Rule 1: Use a comma after “thus” when it starts a sentence and has a similar meaning to “therefore.”
In these instances, the word “thus” modifies the whole sentence and needs a comma.
- He is an accountant. Thus, he does my taxes.
- I left my umbrella at home. Thus, the storm wet me.
Rule 2: Use a comma after “thus” when you use it to connect two independent clauses.
You should ensure that when you use “thus” for this function, you put a semicolon before it.
- He went to medical school; thus, he has experience working in a hospital.
- The team bonded well; thus, it was no surprise when they won the award.
Rule 3: You can use a comma after “thus” when it is a non-essential word in the middle of a clause.
On these occasions, you can include commas to add a pause and, therefore, emphasis. Alternatively, you can leave it out when the interruption is not so substantial.
- He drove for hours without a break and, thus, fell asleep behind the wheel.
- We have not made much progress, thus far, with the project.
When to Avoid a Comma With “Thus”
To learn when you should avoid a comma with “thus”, you should refer to Rules 4 and 5.
Rule 4: You don’t need to use a comma after “thus” when you use it as an interrupter and the interruption is mild, or the sentence is simple and easy to understand.
- She is my sister, and thus I love her.
- It was raining when I walked the dog, and thus we both got wet.
In these cases, you can add a comma before and after “thus” if you wish, but it is optional.
Rule 5: You shouldn’t use a comma with “thus” when it means “like this.”
In these cases, “thus” means “like the adjective” that follows it.
- After seeing the result, he was thus annoyed with the performance.
- She was thus mesmerized by the view; she didn’t notice the park had closed.
When to Use a Comma Before “Thus”
When deciding whether to use a comma before “thus,” you should refer to Rule 3.
Rule 3: Use a comma before “thus” when it is a non-defining word that you insert in the middle of a clause.
- He bought new shoes and a suit and, for the rest of the month, thus, was poor.
- We do not sell that product, so we cannot, thus, offer replacement parts.
Conclusion
Use a comma after “thus” when it starts a sentence. Also, when it connects two independent clauses, use a semicolon before it and a comma after it. Furthermore, when you insert “thus” mid-clause, a comma before and after is optional, depending on the level of interruption desired.