Commas with "then"

Question

I can't figure out when I should/shouldn't put a comma before "then"
Pro Writing Aid says that "then" has started to replace "and then."

I went to bed, [and] then I started dreaming.

This I understand if "then" is a replacement/shortened version of "and then," but I don't understand how to use it when its in a subordinate clause

He was quiet for a moment, then said, “I’m sorry about this. I really am.”

Why is there a comma before "then" in this instance? "then said" cannot stand alone, so, grammatically, there shouldn't be a comma there and it should read as

He was quiet for a moment then said, “I’m sorry about this. I really am.”

Stuart F · Answer

The Chicago Manual of Style website has a rule: when describing multiple actions of an individual, you don't need a comma with "and then", but if you have "then" without "and", it needs a comma before. They give these examples of correct usage:

"She glanced around the room and then exited for the last time."
"He got a DUI, then resisted arrest."

This is a matter of style to some extent, but this seems a good rule.
A previous Stack Exchange question dealt with the distinct question of "if x, then y" which again has a comma.
https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/qanda/data/faq/topics/Usage/faq0295.html

Commas with "then"

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