Have you ever paused mid-sentence, wondering if you should write “than” or “then”? You’re not alone. These two small words cause huge confusion for native and non-native English speakers alike. But the good news? Once you understand the difference between than and then, you’ll use them with total confidence.
This post breaks it all down in simple terms—no jargon, just clear explanations, tons of examples, and smart tricks to help you remember which one to use. Whether you’re polishing professional writing, studying for exams, or improving everyday conversation, this guide will take the mystery out of this confusing word pair.
The Core Difference Between “Than” and “Then”
Let’s start with the most important question: What’s the actual difference between than and then?
| Word | Part of Speech | Primary Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Than | Conjunction | Used to show comparison | “She runs faster than me.” |
| Then | Adverb | Indicates time or result | “We went home, and then ate.” |
In short:
- “Than” is used when making comparisons.
- “Then” refers to time or the next action in a sequence.
Read More About This Article: Connotation vs. Denotation: Understanding Literal and Implied Meanings
Using “Than” in Comparison
“Than” is a conjunction used to compare two things. Anytime you’re showing differences, preferences or measurements—reach for “than.”
Examples of comparison phrases:
- More than: “I have more money than you.”
- Better than: “This movie is better than the last one.”
- Rather than: “I’d rather stay home than go out.”
Tip: If you’re not comparing two things, you’re probably using the wrong word.
Preposition-like use of “than”
While “than” is technically a conjunction, in casual speech and writing, it’s often used like a preposition, especially when followed by object pronouns like “me” or “him.”
Correct (formal): She’s taller than I am.
Also accepted (informal): She’s taller than me.
Both are widely accepted in casual conversation. In formal writing, use “than I am,” “than he is,” etc.
Using “Then” for Time and Sequence
“Then” is an adverb, and it’s most commonly used to show when something happens or what happens next.
Time Sequence Phrases:
- And then: “We ate, and then we danced.”
- Since then: “He moved away in 2020. Since then, we’ve lost touch.”
- Back then: “Back then, things were simpler.”
“Then” for consequence:
Sometimes “then” shows a logical result or a step in reasoning.
- “If it rains, then we’ll stay inside.”
- “You need to finish your work; then you can relax.”
Mnemonic trick: The E in “then” stands for timE—easy way to remember it relates to time.
Common Grammar Mistakes with “Than” and “Then”
Mixing up these words can make your writing confusing or even embarrassing. Let’s look at common mix-ups and how to fix them.
| Incorrect | Correct | Why It’s Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| “She’s smarter then him.” | “She’s smarter than him.” | You’re making a comparison. |
| “We ate lunch, than left early.” | “We ate lunch, then left early.” | You’re showing sequence, not comparison. |
| “It’s more enjoyable then math.” | “It’s more enjoyable than math.” | It’s comparing two subjects. |
Writing tip: Whenever you use the word and you’re unsure, ask: “Am I comparing two things?” If yes, use than. If not, use then.
Mnemonic Tricks to Remember the Difference
Still struggling? These memory hacks will help:
- A in Than = ComparAtive → Use “than” when comparing.
- E in Then = TimE → Use “then” to talk about time or sequence.
- Silly Rhyme: “Than is for comparing things; then is for what the future brings.”
- Visual trick: Imagine “then” on a timeline. It points forward, like this: 🕐➡️
“Than” and “Then” in Real Life
Let’s see how these words appear in everyday contexts:
In conversation:
- “He’s stronger than me.”
- “We went to the park, then grabbed coffee.”
In literature:
“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.” – André Gide
“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” – Often attributed to Gandhi
In advertising:
- “Better ingredients. Better pizza. Better than the rest.”
- “Order now, then pay later!”
In politics and media:
- “He’s more prepared than his opponent.”
- “The policy passed, then the protests began.”
Grammar Rules and Word Class
Let’s get a bit technical (but stay simple):
“Than”:
- Part of speech: Conjunction
- Function: Connects clauses/phrases in a comparison
Example: “This test is harder than the last one.”
“Then”:
- Part of speech: Adverb (sometimes noun or adjective)
- Function: Shows time, sequence, or consequence
Example: “Finish your exam, then hand it in.”
“Then” in Conditional Statements
You’ll often see “then” paired with “if” in logic-based structures:
- “If… then” format:
“If you study hard, then you’ll pass.”
Important: Never use “than” in conditional statements.
Proofreading Strategies to Avoid Misuse
Here’s a checklist to help you proofread smarter:
✅ Ask yourself: Am I comparing two things? → Use than
✅ Does it refer to time or sequence? → Use then
✅ Try switching “then” with “at that time”—does it still work?
✅ Try switching “than” with “as compared to”—still make sense?
English writing tip: Read your sentence out loud. If it sounds wrong, it probably is.
Tips for English Learners
For those learning English, “than vs. then” is one of the most commonly misused words.
Here’s how to master it:
Practice With Minimal Pairs:
- “She’s older than him.”
- “She was younger then.”
Try Flashcards:
- One side: Sentence with missing word
- Other side: Correct word and explanation
Use Interactive Drills:
Write 10 of your own sentences. Swap than and then, and see how it changes the meaning.
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Than | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Conjunction | Adverb |
| Used For | Comparison | Time, consequence |
| Sentence Role | Links comparative clauses | Indicates sequence/order |
| Examples | taller than, more than | then again, since then |
| Common Confusion | Used instead of “then” | Used instead of “than” |
FAQs
Can I start a sentence with “then”?
Yes. “Then” can begin a sentence when continuing a timeline or thought.
Is “than” ever an adverb?
No. “Than” is always a conjunction.
Which is more commonly misused—than or then?
“Then” is more often misused, especially when writers try to compare things.
Final Thoughts: Choose with Confidence
To sum it all up:
- Use than when comparing: “She’s faster than I am.”
- Use then when describing time or order: “We left, then called a cab.”
The difference may be small in spelling, but it’s huge in meaning. Mastering “than vs then” will make your writing clearer, your speaking more precise, and your grammar flawless.
“Precision in language is precision in thought.”
So the next time you pause at the keyboard, ask yourself—are you comparing? Or sequencing? And then… make the right choice!