Which sentence uses "then" correctly?

• A. We went to the park, then we had lunch.
• B. We went to the park; then we had lunch.
• C. We went to the park then we had lunch.
• D. We went to the park, then we had lunch, too.

Answer: (A)

Then signals the order of two actions, so you want a natural pause between the two complete thoughts. Using a comma before then after the first independent clause is the standard, everyday way to show that sequence: We went to the park, then we had lunch. The comma slows the reader just enough to mark the transition and keeps the two parts clearly connected as separate actions.

A semicolon before then can be correct in more formal writing, but it often feels heavier and less natural for a simple sequence. Leaving no punctuation between the two clauses makes the sentence feel like a run-on. Adding “too” at the end changes the nuance a bit, but it’s still understandable; just note that it shifts the rhythm and adds another idea to include with its own comma.