The difference between than and then (grammar lesson)


than and then - the difference

Then relates to time. Than is used to introduce a comparison.

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.)

Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons.

(Woody Allen quote)
('Better' 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:

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.