English is full of confusing word pairs, and “then” vs. “than” is one of the most commonly misused. Although they may look and sound similar, they serve completely different grammatical purposes. Mixing them up can drastically change the meaning of a sentence or make your writing appear unpolished. This Baltimore Chronicle article will clearly explain the difference between “then” and “than”, provide usage tips, and show you how to never confuse them again.
Why Do People Confuse Then and Than?
The confusion between “then” and “than” stems from their nearly identical pronunciation in casual speech. However, their meanings and grammatical roles are entirely different. Many writers rely on instinct rather than understanding the rules, which leads to repeated mistakes.
Here are a few reasons why people mix them up:
- Similar spelling and sound
- Lack of grammar education or attention to detail
- Typing quickly and not proofreading
- Relying on autocorrect, which doesn’t always catch the error
Let’s break down each word and clarify when to use it.
What Does “Then” Mean?
“Then” is primarily used as an adverb and relates to time, sequence, or consequence. It tells us when something happened or what comes next.
Common Uses of “Then”:
- To indicate time:
- We went to dinner, and then we saw a movie.
- To show a consequence or result:
- If you study hard, then you will pass the test.
- In logical statements or conditions:
- If it rains, then we’ll cancel the picnic.
- To refer to a previous state:
- The then president announced new policies.
Examples of “Then” in Sentences:
- First we ate breakfast, then we went hiking.
- If you’re ready, then let’s begin.
- Back then, things were different.
What Does “Than” Mean?
“Than” is a conjunction used to compare two or more things. It answers questions like how much, how big, how fast, and so on. If you’re making a comparison, use “than”.
Common Uses of “Than”:
- Comparisons of quantity, quality, or preference:
- She is taller than her brother.
- I would rather stay home than go out.
- After comparative adjectives:
- This book is better than the last one.
Examples of “Than” in Sentences:
- He’s smarter than anyone I know.
- I’d rather walk than drive in traffic.
- It costs less than you think.
A Quick Reference Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Then | Adverb | Time, sequence, consequence | We went to lunch, then to the park. |
| Than | Conjunction | Comparison | My car is faster than yours. |
How to Remember the Difference
Use these simple tips to always get it right:
- “Then” relates to time → both have an “e” (think: time and then).
- “Than” is for comparison → both have an “a” (think: compare and than).
- Say the sentence aloud. If it makes sense as a time sequence, use “then”. If it’s comparing things, use “than”.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Here are a few frequently seen errors with corrections:
- Incorrect: I’d rather eat now then later.
Correct: I’d rather eat now than later. - Incorrect: If you’re going, than I’ll go too.
Correct: If you’re going, then I’ll go too. - Incorrect: She’s more organized then me.
Correct: She’s more organized than me.
Similar Word Confusions to Watch Out For
While “then” and “than” are a classic duo, they aren’t alone. Here are a few more commonly confused pairs:
- Your vs. You’re
- Its vs. It’s
- Affect vs. Effect
- There vs. Their vs. They’re
- Who vs. Whom
These mix-ups also arise from similar spelling or pronunciation and are worth learning.
Earlier we wrote about how to distinguish a hyphen from a dash.