The English language is full of words that look and sound similar, but have very different meanings. Among the most commonly confused pairs are “than” and “then.” If you’ve ever hesitated before typing one of these words, you’re not alone! In this article, we’ll break down the difference between “than vs then,” provide practical examples, and offer tips to help you use each word correctly every time.
What’s the Difference Between “Than” and “Then”?
Than is primarily used for comparisons. Whenever you’re comparing two things, qualities, or actions, “than” is the word you need. For example:
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“She is taller than her brother.”
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“I would rather read than watch TV.”
Then relates to time or sequence. It tells us when something happened, what comes next, or the result of a condition. For example:
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“Finish your homework, then you can play.”
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“Back then, we didn’t have smartphones.”
How to Remember the Difference
Here’s a simple trick:
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If you’re comparing, use than (both have the letter “a”).
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If you’re talking about time, use then (both have the letter “e”).
Common Uses and Examples
When to Use “Than”
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Comparing two things:
“This laptop is lighter than that one.” -
After comparative adjectives and adverbs:
“He runs faster than I do.” -
In expressions:
“Better late than never.”
“Other than that, everything is fine.”
When to Use “Then”
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Describing time or sequence:
“We went to the store, then we went home.” -
Indicating a consequence:
“If you’re hungry, then eat something.” -
Referring to a specific time:
“I was living in Paris then.” -
In phrases:
“Since then,” “until then,” “by then,” “now and then.”
Why Do People Mix Up “Than” and “Then”?
Both words are pronounced similarly and are just one letter apart in spelling. However, using the wrong word can change the meaning of your sentence or make it confusing. For example:
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“I would rather sleep then eat.” (This means you want to sleep first, then eat.)
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“I would rather sleep than eat.” (This means you prefer sleeping over eating.)
Tips to Avoid Mistakes
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Check if you’re making a comparison. If yes, use “than.”
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If you’re talking about time, order, or consequence, use “then.”
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Remember common phrases: “more than,” “other than,” “since then,” “back then.”
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If you’re unsure, try replacing the word with “in comparison to” (for “than”) or “at that time” (for “then”) and see if the sentence still makes sense.
Common Expressions
| Expression | Correct Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Better late than never | than | It’s better to do something late than not at all. |
| Other than that | than | Except for that. |
| Since then | then | From that time onward. |
| Every now and then | then | Occasionally. |
| Rather than | than | Prefer one thing over another. |
Table: Key Topics Covered in “Than vs Then”
| Topic | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Definition of “than” | Used for making comparisons. | “She is faster than him.” |
| Definition of “then” | Used for time, sequence, or consequence. | “We ate dinner, then watched a movie.” |
| Memory tricks | Tips to remember which word to use. | “A” in comparison = than, “E” in time = then |
| Common mistakes | How using the wrong word changes meaning. | “I’d rather cook than eat out.” |
| Expressions & idioms | Common phrases with “than” and “then.” | “Better late than never,” “since then” |
| Examples in sentences | Sample sentences showing correct usage. | See above |
| FAQs | Short answers to frequently asked questions about “than vs then.” | See below |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can “than” ever be used to refer to time?
No, “than” is only used for making comparisons. If you’re talking about time or sequence, always use “then.”
Q2: Is “other then” ever correct?
No, the correct phrase is “other than,” meaning “except for” or “besides.”
Q3: What’s a quick way to check if I’m using the right word?
Ask yourself: Am I comparing? Use “than.” Am I talking about time, order, or consequence? Use “then.”
By understanding the difference between “than vs then,” you’ll avoid common writing mistakes and communicate your ideas more clearly. Practice with real sentences, and soon, choosing the right word will become second nature!
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