The words 'then' and 'than' look similar, but their uses are very
different.
Then
The word 'then' usually relates to time. It is most
commonly used as an adverb. It has the
following meanings:
Subsequently or
afterwards.
 Go to
the traffic lights, then turn right. 
It
went dark, then there was a scream.
The
council members argued for three days then eventually came to a decision. |
As a consequence or in that case.
If you
had cleaned your teeth properly, then you wouldn't be in this predicament.
You're
certain then?
If
that's how you feel, let it go then. |
At that time or that
time.
I was
much fitter back then.
She
used to holiday in Sri Lanka as it was then known.
The
schedule will be completed before then.
It was
the responsibility of the then team captain to account for the trophies in
the cabinet.
(In this example, 'then' is an adjective.) |
Than
The word 'than' introduces a comparison. It is
most often seen with comparatives and
words like more, less and fewer.
Craig is
smarter than Paul.
('Smarter' is a comparative.)
Russia is
even more spacious than Canada.
('More spacious' is a comparative.)
I have less
space than you, but I also have fewer workers than you.
Select the correct version:
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Those with English as a second language are particularly prone to confusing than
and then.
A native English speaker confusing these words constitutes a grammatical howler.
COMPARISONS INVOLVING TIME
Comparisons involving time tend to attract this error. Remember, use 'than' for comparisons,
including those involving time.
 Winter is later
then autumn. 
Winter is later
than autumn.
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Common grammar errors
