Then vs Than: How To Differentiate The Two

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Various words in the English dictionary confuse people. Be it because of the spelling or their pronunciation, there has always been confusion about certain terms like till vs. until and aunty vs. auntie. 

Similarly, there is confusion about then vs than. Both words have different meanings and unique features. People often think that both terms are similar and can be used interchangeably, but that is not the case. 

Then and than are homophones. They sound similar but have different meanings. Let’s explore the differences between the terms and their correct usage. 

Then vs Than: The Difference

The word “then” is mostly used when we want to talk about time. We relate it to time. It depicts what happened at a specific time or what will happen next. On the other hand, “than” is used when we compare two things. 

“Then” is used as a noun, adverb, or adjective and indicates consequence or time. Meanwhile, “than” is used as a preposition or conjunction to compare two things. 

How to Use “Than?”

“Than” is mostly used as a conjunction. A conjunction is a word connecting two clauses or coordinating words in one clause. It is mostly used to introduce the second part of the comparison.  

Let’s look at a few examples to make things easy for you: 

1. Anna is shorter than Jo, but Anna is the elder of the two. 

2. Betty works harder than anyone in this office. 

3. She is smarter than all her classmates. 

4. I would rather read a book than watch television. 

5. I like eating at home than eating out. 

Moreover, you can also use “than” as a preposition. A preposition connects a pronoun or noun to an adjective or verb in a sentence. This is basically used to express a temporary relationship. “Than” as a preposition means “in comparison with” or “in relation to.”  

Also, “than” appears in a lot of idioms. Most of the feature comparisons. Here are a few idiom examples that use “than” as an example. 

1. More fun than a barrel of monkeys. 

2. More dead than alive. 

3. Easier said than done. 

4. Better late than never. 

5. Better safe than sorry. 

How to Use “Then?”

“Then” is mostly used as an adverb. Adverbs modify adjectives and verbs, as do other adverbs. Dictionaries define it in various ways. For instance, at the same time, at that time, in that case, soon afterward, next in order, or as a consequence. 

It is often used as a noun or an adjective. As a describing word, it means, “existing, being such, or being at the indicated time.” Moreover, as a noun, it means that time. “Then” also appears in some idioms.

Here are a few examples to check how “then” is used. 

1. First, I went to the office, then directly to the party. 

2. Complete your homework, and then you can get your phone. 

3. Take the first left, and then the third right. 

4. Burgers were cheaper back then. 

5. She served the family first, then sat down to eat. 

6. He has been coming here every now and then. He just needs an excuse. 

7. He fixed the issue then and there, and sent a main to the higher authority. 

8. I go to the library every now and then. 

9. I thought it would make him happy, then again it did not. 

10. She was overjoyed to see her best friend, but then she didn’t even give a smile. 

How To Remember This Difference?

The best possible way to memorise ths difference is to associate it with any kind of comparison, and then with order and time. There is no substitute for the word than. If I say, I am taller than my brother, there is no word to replace than in this sentence. 

However, if I say he came to the hospital first and then went to the bank, there is a way I can replace them. I can say he came to the hospital and subsequently went to the bank. 

Here are a few more ways mentioned to help you distinguish.

Understand the Meaning

“Then” is used to indicate consequence or time sequence. “Than” is used for comparison. We use it while introducing the second part of the comparison. 

Look For Context

Think about the context of the sentence. When expressing a series of events, “then” is the right choice; however, if you are comparing two things or two people, “than” is the right word. 

Check For Comparative Words

If you are looking at words like “worse,” “more,” “better,” or “less” in the sentence, it is because there is comparison there, and in these cases, “than” is the right choice. 

Proofread Carefully

When you are double-checking, pay attention to the meaning of the sentence. Reviewing the sentence can help you find errors while looking for “than” and “then.” 

Take This Exercise

Let’s take a small exercise to help you understand. 

The brand needs a marketing head now more then/than ever.

Than

Let me get back home, than/then I will discuss it with you.

Then

Finish your dinner first, then/than you can have some ice cream.

Then

We can go for lunch and than/then for a movie. It’s a date.

Then

Cathay is taller then/than her sister. 

Than

Wrapping Up!

By now, the confusion of “then vs than” should be over. You know how to associate the words and understand where they should be used. 

The moment you understand the meaning, it becomes easy to understand. The more you practice, the better you will get at solving these grammar exercises.

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