Many English speakers — even native ones — often confuse “then” and “than.” These two small words may look similar, but they serve very different grammatical functions. Understanding when to use each can make your writing clearer and more professional. As the editorial team at Baltimore Chronicle notes, mixing them up can weaken your message and cause misunderstanding, especially in academic or business writing.
What Is the Difference Between Then and Than?
Let’s begin with the basics: “then” is mostly used to express time or sequence, while “than” is used to make comparisons. Although they sound similar, they are never interchangeable.
Then: Definition and Usage
“Then” is an adverb that refers to:
- A point in time (“I was younger then.”)
- A sequence of events (“We ate dinner, then watched a movie.”)
- A result or consequence (“If it rains, then we’ll stay inside.”)
Examples:
- First we’ll go to the park, then we’ll grab ice cream.
- I was living in New York then.
- If you’re sure, then let’s do it.
Than: Definition and Usage
“Than” is a conjunction used for comparison. It’s most often used in sentences involving degrees of difference.
Examples:
- She is taller than her brother.
- I would rather read than watch TV.
- This option is better than the last one.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Why Do People Confuse Them?
- They sound alike in fast speech.
- They differ by only one letter.
- Autocorrect or spellcheck tools don’t always catch the mistake.
Tips to Remember:
- Use “then” for time and steps.
- Use “than” for comparisons.
- Ask yourself: Are you comparing two things? If yes, use than.
Use Cases: When to Use Then or Than
Use Then When:
- Talking about what happens next.
- Describing a past time.
- Setting up a consequence.
Example Sentences:
- Finish your homework, then you can play.
- I was a teenager back then.
- If that’s true, then we have a problem.
Use Than When:
- Comparing two objects, people, ideas, etc.
Example Sentences:
- This dress is more elegant than that one.
- He is faster than I am.
- I’d rather sleep than go out tonight.
Summary of Then vs. Than
| Word | Part of Speech | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Then | Adverb | Time, sequence | I’ll see you then. |
| Then | Conjunction | Result | If you go, then I’ll go too. |
| Than | Conjunction | Comparison | She is stronger than her brother. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it “better then” or “better than”?
Correct: better than — You are making a comparison.
Can “then” ever replace “than”?
No. Even though they sound similar, their meanings are different. Replacing one with the other is grammatically incorrect.
What about in formal writing?
Always use the correct form. Errors like “more easy then before” instead of “more easy than before” can damage your credibility.
Is there a trick to remember the difference?
Yes! Think of “A is better than B” — “than” is for comparisons. For time, remember “Back then” or “And then what?”
Why This Matters in Your Writing
Using the wrong word — especially in formal writing — can confuse your readers or make your argument less effective. Whether you’re writing essays, emails, or marketing copy, clarity matters. Choosing the right word is a small step that makes a big difference.
Who Should Care?
- Students writing papers
- Professionals writing reports or emails
- Bloggers and content creators
- Anyone who wants to write clearly
Final Thoughts: Make the Right Choice
To sum it up, “then” relates to time and consequence, while “than” is all about comparison. They may be one letter apart, but they belong in very different sentences. By remembering these distinctions, you’ll avoid a common grammar mistake and sound more polished.
Earlier we wrote that how to distinguish a hyphen from a dash.