Is 'better safe than sorry' really 'than' and not 'then'?

Yes. 'Better safe than sorry' is a comparison ('safer than the alternative'), so it takes 'than.'

How accurate is the checker?

Roughly 90% — comparison and sequence contexts are usually clear from surrounding words.

What about 'more than' vs 'more then'?

Always 'more than.' 'More' is a comparative, so it pairs with 'than.'

Where can I learn the full rule?

See our complete Then vs Than guide with examples and memory tricks.

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Grammar Checker

Free Then or Than Checker

'Then' refers to time or sequence ('first this, then that'). 'Than' is used in comparisons ('faster than'). The checker scans your text for both words and flags likely usage errors based on context.

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Result

4 uses of then/than found. 1 flagged.

1 issue found below.

Flagged Issues

✗

After a comparative ("smarter"), use "than" — not "then".

"He's smarter then she is. First we eat, than we…"

Suggestion: than

How the Then or Than Checker Works

The checker locates every 'then' and 'than' in your text. It looks at surrounding words — comparative adjectives ('better,' 'taller,' 'more'), sequence markers ('first,' 'next'), and conjunctions — to determine which form is expected.

Rules & Best Practices

1After a comparative adjective, use 'than'

'Better than,' 'taller than,' 'faster than,' 'more interesting than' — always 'than' after a comparison word.

2After 'first,' 'next,' 'after that,' use 'then'

'First we ate, then we left.' 'Then' marks sequence in time.

3'Rather X than Y' — comparison

Always 'than' after 'rather': 'I'd rather walk than drive.'

4'If X, then Y' — conditional consequence

Use 'then' in if-then sentences: 'If you study, then you'll pass.'

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FAQ

Then and than are pronounced almost identically in casual speech and look similar on the page. Spell-checkers don't catch the wrong one because both are valid words.