In English, the word ‘then’ can have different meanings and uses depending on its position in a sentence. The question asks about a sentence where ‘then’ is used in the middle of the sentence: ‘What we call mental illnesses, then, may be…’ This sentence may be confusing because we usually associate ‘then’ with the beginning or end of a sentence. Let’s take a closer look at the correct usage of ‘then’ in this context.
1. The Different Uses of ‘Then’
‘Then’ can be used in various ways, such as a time reference (meaning ‘at that time’), as a consequence (meaning ‘in that case’), or as a transition word. The use of ‘then’ in the sentence ‘What we call mental illnesses, then, may be…’ is a case where ‘then’ is used as a transition word, meaning ‘in that case’ or ‘as a result.’
For example:
- Time reference: ‘I was tired then.’
- Consequence or transition: ‘If you want to improve, then practice every day.’
2. Why ‘Then’ is Used in the Middle of the Sentence
In this case, ‘then’ is inserted between the subject and the main verb to create a pause or a shift in the flow of the sentence. The sentence ‘What we call mental illnesses, then, may be…’ uses ‘then’ to introduce a new perspective or an explanation of what ‘mental illnesses’ may refer to. It creates a pause that emphasizes the importance of the statement that follows.
For example, this structure is often used in arguments or explanations to introduce an important clarification or a key point:
- ‘What we call mental illnesses, then, may be the result of long-term stress.’
- ‘This disease is spreading rapidly, then, we must take immediate action.’
3. Common Misunderstandings with ‘Then’
It’s common to associate ‘then’ with only the beginning or end of a sentence, especially when it refers to time. However, ‘then’ can also be used in the middle of a sentence as a transition word. The key is to understand that in this context, ‘then’ is not referring to a specific time but instead providing a link between ideas or actions.
For example, while ‘then’ can appear at the beginning or end of a sentence:
- ‘Then, we went to the park.’
- ‘We went to the park then.’
It can also be used within a sentence as shown in the example: ‘What we call mental illnesses, then, may be…’
4. Summary: How ‘Then’ Functions in the Sentence
To summarize, ‘then’ can function as a time reference or as a transitional word. In the sentence ‘What we call mental illnesses, then, may be…,’ ‘then’ is used as a transition, introducing a new explanation or idea. This usage is perfectly correct and serves to clarify or add emphasis to the sentence. Understanding the flexibility of ‘then’ in sentence construction is key to using it effectively in English.
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