Then vs Than: What's the Difference?

Then refers to time or sequence ('first this, then that'). Than is used in comparisons ('faster than,' 'more than'). They sound nearly identical but mean completely different things.

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Option A

Then

Adverb / Conjunction

Refers to time, sequence, or consequence — 'at that time,' 'next,' or 'as a result.'

Examples
  • "We had dinner, then watched a movie."
  • "If you study, then you'll pass."
  • "Back then, things were simpler."
Option B

Than

Conjunction / Preposition

Used to make comparisons between two or more things.

Examples
  • "She runs faster than I do."
  • "This book is better than the last one."
  • "I have more apples than oranges."

Why Are They Confused?

Then and than are pronounced almost identically in casual speech, and they look almost the same on the page. The single letter difference (e vs a) makes them easy to type the wrong one by accident — and spell-check won't catch it.

💡 Memory Trick

THEN has an 'E' — like 'tim-E.' THAN has an 'A' — like 'compAre.' Time = THEN. Compare = THAN.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ✗'He's taller then me' — wrong. Should be 'taller than me' (comparison).
  • ✗'First we eat, than we leave' — wrong. Should be 'then we leave' (sequence).
  • ✗'Better safe then sorry' — wrong. Should be 'better safe than sorry' (comparison).
  • ✗Use the keyword frequency tool in our Free Word Counter to spot repeated misuse.

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Quick Practice Quiz

Q1.She's smarter ___ she gives herself credit for.
Q2.First we'll eat, ___ we'll head to the movie.
Q3.There's no time like the present — back ___ it would have been impossible.
Q4.I'd rather walk ___ drive in this traffic.

More Grammar Comparisons

Affect vs EffectCompliment vs ComplementFurther vs Fartheri.e. vs e.g.Insure vs EnsureInto vs In toIts vs It'sLay vs LieTo vs TooWho vs WhomWhose vs Who's

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