Then vs. Than: Simple Ways to Never Confuse Them Again

Even experienced writers sometimes pause when choosing between "then" and "than." These two small words look similar, sound similar (especially in some regional accents), and can slip past spellcheckers when used incorrectly. However, they serve completely different grammatical functions and are never interchangeable. This guide will help you understand the distinction and provide you with simple techniques to ensure you never confuse them again.

The Basic Difference: Time vs. Comparison

The fundamental distinction between these two words is straightforward:

• Then relates to time (when something happens)
• Than is used for comparison (comparing two or more things)

If you can remember this basic principle—time vs. comparison—you'll be able to make the correct choice in most situations.

Understanding "Then"

"Then" is primarily an adverb related to time, sequence, or consequence. It answers the question "when?" or indicates "what next?"

When to Use "Then"

Use "then" in the following contexts:

1. To indicate time

• "I'll see you then."
• "Back then, people didn't have smartphones."
• "We'll go to the store and then head home."

2. To show sequence or order

• "First we'll review the data, then we'll draw conclusions."
• "She completed her degree, and then she started her own business."
• "Do your homework now; then you can watch TV."

3. To express consequence (if/then relationships)

• "If you study hard, then you'll ace the test."
• "If that's the case, then we need to reconsider our approach."

4. As an adjective meaning "at that time"

• "She was the then president of the company." (meaning the person who was president at that time)
• "His then wife attended the ceremony." (meaning the person who was his wife at that time)

"Then" in Common Phrases

"Then" appears in several common expressions:

• "Now and then" (occasionally)
• "Every now and then" (sometimes)
• "Back then" (in the past)
• "By then" (by that time)
• "Since then" (from that time until now)
• "Just then" (at that exact moment)
• "And then some" (and even more)

Understanding "Than"

"Than" is a conjunction or preposition used in comparisons to show difference. It introduces the second element in a comparison.

When to Use "Than"

Use "than" in the following contexts:

1. To compare quantities

• "She has more books than I do."
• "The project cost less than we expected."
• "There were fewer participants than last year."

2. To compare qualities or characteristics

• "The new version is better than the old one."
• "The test was harder than we anticipated."
• "He is taller than his brother."

3. In comparative expressions

• "Rather than complaining, let's find solutions."
• "Other than that issue, everything worked perfectly."
• "No sooner than we arrived, it started to rain."

4. With preferential statements

• "I'd rather walk than drive."
• "I'd sooner quit than compromise my principles."

"Than" in Common Phrases

"Than" appears in several common expressions:

• "More than" (exceeding)
• "Less than" (falling short of)
• "Other than" (except for)
• "Rather than" (instead of)
• "No more than" (at most)
• "No less than" (at least)
• "Greater than" (exceeding in size/importance)
• "No sooner than" (immediately after)

Memory Techniques

To help remember which word to use, try these simple mnemonic devices:

1. "Then" Has "E" for "Event" or "Time"

"Then" contains the letter "E," which can remind you of "Events" or "timE"—both related to when something happens.

2. "Than" Has "A" for "Analyzing" or "Comparing"

"Than" contains the letter "A," which can remind you of "Analyzing" or "compAring" things.

3. The "A to B" Technique

"thAn" is for compArisons between A and B "thEn" is for sEquence of events

4. Substitution Test

• If you can replace the word with "at that time" or "next," use "then"
• If you're comparing two things, use "than"

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

Despite the clear distinction in meaning, these words are frequently confused. Here are the most common errors and how to correct them:

Error 1: Using "then" for comparisons

❌ "She is smarter then me." ✓ "She is smarter than me."

Why it's wrong: This sentence is making a comparison between two people's intelligence, not referencing a sequence or time.

Error 2: Using "than" for time sequences

❌ "We'll go to dinner, than we'll see a movie." ✓ "We'll go to dinner, then we'll see a movie."

Why it's wrong: This sentence is describing a sequence of events over time, not making a comparison.

Error 3: "More then" instead of "More than"

❌ "The book has more then 300 pages." ✓ "The book has more than 300 pages."

Why it's wrong: This is a comparison of quantities (comparing the actual number of pages to 300), not a time reference.

Error 4: "Other then" instead of "Other than"

❌ "Other then that, everything was perfect." ✓ "Other than that, everything was perfect."

Why it's wrong: This phrase is making an exception or comparison, not referring to time.

Error 5: "Rather then" instead of "Rather than"

❌ "I'd rather stay home then go out tonight." ✓ "I'd rather stay home than go out tonight."

Why it's wrong: This is expressing a preference between two options (a comparison), not a time sequence.

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Part of the confusion between "then" and "than" stems from pronunciation differences:

American English

In many American dialects, "than" is pronounced with a schwa sound /ðən/ that makes it sound very similar to "then" /ðɛn/, especially in fast speech.

British English

In most British English pronunciation, the distinction is usually clearer, with "than" pronounced /ðæn/ and "then" as /ðɛn/.

Tip for Non-Native Speakers

If English isn't your first language, try exaggerating the pronunciation difference when you speak:

• Say "THAN" with the same "a" sound as in "cat"
• Say "THEN" with the same "e" sound as in "get"

Practical Examples Across Different Contexts

Let's explore how these words are used correctly in various types of writing:

Academic Writing

Then (Time/Sequence):

• "The researchers collected the samples; then they analyzed the results."
• "Ancient civilizations first developed agriculture; then, over time, they established complex social structures."

Than (Comparison):

• "The experimental group performed significantly better than the control group."
• "Qualitative research methods often provide more nuanced insights than quantitative approaches."

Business Communication

Then (Time/Sequence):

• "Please review the proposal, and then provide your feedback by Friday."
• "First quarter sales exceeded expectations; then we saw a decline in the second quarter."

Than (Comparison):

• "Our new product line is more cost-effective than our previous offerings."
• "We received more applications than we anticipated for the position."

Creative Writing

Then (Time/Sequence):

• "The wind whispered through the trees; then, suddenly, there was silence."
• "She hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward into the light."

Than (Comparison):

• "His heart felt heavier than lead as he read the letter."
• "The castle seemed older than time itself, its stones worn by countless seasons."

Everyday Communication

Then (Time/Sequence):

• "I'll finish this report, then I'll help you with yours."
• "We lived in Chicago back then."

Than (Comparison):

• "This coffee tastes better than the one we had yesterday."
• "It's easier to explain in person than over the phone."

Special Cases and Exceptions

While the time vs. comparison rule covers most uses, there are some special cases worth noting:

"No sooner than"

This phrase combines both words' concepts (time and comparison):

• "No sooner than she arrived, the rain began to fall."

The phrase indicates that one event happened immediately after another.

"Rather than" vs. "And then"

Compare these two constructions:

• "Rather than going to the party, she stayed home." (comparison/alternative)
• "She decided not to go to the party, and then she stayed home." (time sequence)

"Other than" vs. "Since then"

These phrases show the distinct functions clearly:

• "Other than Mark, everyone attended the meeting." (exception/comparison)
• "The policy changed last year, and since then, compliance has improved." (time reference)

Grammar Details for Language Enthusiasts

For those interested in the technical aspects of grammar:

Parts of Speech

• "Then" functions primarily as an adverb, though it can occasionally serve as an adjective.
• "Than" functions as a conjunction when introducing clauses and as a preposition when introducing phrases.

"Than" Followed by Pronouns

There's ongoing debate about whether to use subjective or objective pronouns after "than":

• "She is taller than I [am]." (formal, with implied verb)
• "She is taller than me." (common in everyday speech)

Both forms are widely used, though traditional grammar prescribes the subjective form, especially in formal writing.

Proofreading Tips

When proofreading your writing for then/than errors:

1. Read aloud: Pronounce the words distinctly to catch errors.
2. Use the search function: Search for "then" and "than" separately and verify each usage.
3. Apply the substitution test: Try replacing "then" with "at that time" or "next" to see if it makes sense.
4. Check comparatives: Look for comparative words like "more," "less," "better," "worse," etc., which are usually followed by "than."
5. Verify time sequences: When describing steps or a timeline, make sure you're using "then."

Technology Assistants and Limitations

Spell Checkers

Most spell checkers won't catch then/than errors because both are correctly spelled words. This makes these errors particularly sneaky.

Grammar Checkers

Modern grammar checkers like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Microsoft Editor can catch many then/than errors, but they're not infallible, especially in complex sentences.

Browser Extensions

Several browser extensions specifically target commonly confused words like then/than, their/there/they're, and your/you're.

Conclusion: Making the Distinction Automatic

With practice, distinguishing between "then" and "than" becomes second nature. Remember:

• Then connects with time, sequence, or "what happens next"
• Than connects with comparison or "this versus that"

The simplest check is to ask yourself: "Am I comparing things or describing when something happens?" This question will guide you to the correct choice almost every time.

By mastering this common distinction, you'll elevate your writing and communication, ensuring your meaning is clear and your grammar is precise. Just remember: first learn the difference, than apply it, and then your writing will improve!