Then vs. Than: Don’t Mix Them Up!

Last updated on September 22, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Then” and “than” are commonly confused because they look similar, but they have very different meanings and uses. Here’s how to distinguish between them:

Then vs. Than: The Main Difference

Key Distinctions:

  • Then: Refers to time or sequence.
    • Example: “We ate dinner, then we watched a movie.”
  • Than: Used for comparisons.
    • Example: “She is smarter than him.”
Then vs. Than
Then vs. Than – Created by 7ESL

Then vs. Than: Understanding the Basics

Then (Adverb):

  • Meaning: Refers to a point in time, either in the past or future, or indicates a sequence of events.
  • Use: Used when talking about time, what happens next, or in addition to something.
  • Examples:
    • “I went to the store, and then I went home.”
    • “Finish your homework, then you can watch TV.”
  • Explanation: “Then” is used to describe what happens next, or to refer to a specific point in time.

Than (Conjunction):

  • Meaning: Used to introduce a comparison between two things.
  • Use: Used when making comparisons.
  • Examples:
    • “She is taller than her brother.”
    • “I’d rather have coffee than tea.”
  • Explanation: “Than” is used when comparing two things, people, or choices.

Then vs. Than: Common Mistakes

Using “than” instead of “then” for time or sequence:

  • Incorrect: “We went to the park, than we went home.”
  • Correct: “We went to the park, then we went home.”
  • Explanation: “Then” is correct because it refers to the next step in a sequence of events.

Using “then” instead of “than” for comparisons:

  • Incorrect: “She is faster then her friend.”
  • Correct: “She is faster than her friend.”
  • Explanation: “Than” is correct because it introduces a comparison.

Quick Tips:

  • Use “then” for time, sequences, or consequences (e.g., “first do this, then do that”).
  • Use “than” when making comparisons (e.g., “better than before”).

Then or Than: When to Use

When to Use “Than”

Comparison

Than is a conjunction used in comparisons, often to introduce the second part of an unequal comparison. It enables the reader to understand the relationship between two objects or subjects being compared. For example:

  • She is taller than he is.
  • The book is more interesting than the movie.

More Than and Other Than

When discussing quantity, “more than” is used to emphasize the difference between two amounts:

  • He has more than 100 books in his collection.

“Other than” is often used to present an alternative option or to make comparisons with exceptions:

  • The red dress looks great, but she decided to wear something other than red.

Exception

Than can also express an exception or a contrasting situation:

  • He will eat any fruit except apples.
  • I would rather travel by train than by airplane.

When to Use “Then”

Time

Then is often used to indicate a specific point or period in time. This can refer to the past, present, or future. For example:

  • She told me that she would meet me at the park, but then realized she had a doctor’s appointment.
  • In the 1980s, computers were not as advanced as they are now; it was a simpler time back then.

Consequence

The word then can also be used to demonstrate a consequence, outcome, or result of a specific event or action. It can indicate the natural progression of events or actions as they occur. Examples include:

  • If you don’t study for the test, then you might not pass.
  • Susan finished all her chores and then went out to play with her friends.

Sequence

Lastly, then can be used to express a sequence of events or actions, illustrating the order in which they took place. Appropriate usage involves making it clear which action occurred before or after another. For instance:

  • First, she boiled the water for tea, then she prepared the teapot and tea cups.
  • He unlocked his car, got inside, and then started the engine.

Examples of Then or Than

Examples of “Then” in Sentences

  1. First, we went to the grocery store, and then we headed to the post office.
  2. If you want to succeed, you must plan your work and then work your plan.
  3. She studied for the test all week, and then she felt confident about her knowledge.
  4. We watched the sunrise, and then we had breakfast on the beach.
  5. He saved his document and then shut down his computer.

Examples of “Than” in Sentences

  1. She is taller than her brother.
  2. I would rather go for a hike than stay indoors all day.
  3. This book is more interesting than the one I read last week.
  4. He can run faster than I can.
  5. It’s better to arrive early than to be late.

Examples of Sentences that Use Both “Then” and “Than”

  1. If you finish your homework, then you can play video games, which is better than doing nothing.
  2. She performed better on the test than she did last time, and then she celebrated her improvement.
  3. He would rather spend time with family than go to the party, and then he planned a family game night.
  4. It’s more important to be kind than to be right, and then you’ll find that people respect you more.
  5. If you can’t decide whether you like apples or oranges better, then try comparing them rather than just guessing.

Then vs. Than: Exercise

Fill in the blank 

Fill in the blanks with either “then” or “than” to correctly complete the sentences.

  1. If you finish your homework, __________ you can watch television.
  2. She is more interested in science __________ she is in mathematics.
  3. We went to the park, and __________ we decided to grab some ice cream.
  4. He would rather spend time outdoors __________ stay inside all day.
  5. First, add the eggs to the mixture, and __________ stir in the flour.
  6. My car is older __________ yours, but it still runs well.
  7. You need to study now, __________ you can relax later in the evening.
  8. She performed better on the test __________ any of her classmates.
  9. __________ I understand the rules, I can play the game more effectively.
  10. This model is less expensive __________ that one but doesn’t have as many features.

Answer with Explanation 

  1. Answer: then
    • Explanation: “Then” is used to indicate what happens next in time.
  2. Answer: than
    • Explanation: “Than” is used in comparisons.
  3. Answer: then
    • Explanation: “Then” indicates the next event in a sequence.
  4. Answer: than
    • Explanation: “Than” is used for making comparisons.
  5. Answer: then
    • Explanation: “Then” is used to show sequence in instructions or events.
  6. Answer: than
    • Explanation: “Than” is used in comparisons between two things.
  7. Answer: then
    • Explanation: “Then” suggests a sequence of activities.
  8. Answer: than
    • Explanation: “Than” is used when comparing performance levels.
  9. Answer: Now that
    • Explanation: “Now that” is the correct phrase to indicate since or because a particular thing has happened.
  10. Answer: than
    • Explanation: “Than” is used for comparing relative value or cost.
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