Than or Then?

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What Is the Difference between "Than" and "Then"?

"Than" and "then" are easy to confuse, especially if you're an English learner.

• "Than" is used to introduce a comparison. For example:
• She was smarter than you.
("Than" is used with a comparison.)
• "Then" relates to time. For example:
• I was fitter then.
(Here, "then" relates to a past time.)
• Run to the lake then jump in.
(Here, "then" relates to a future time.)
• "Then" means "in that case." For example:
• If you're not happy, then leave.
(Here, "then" means "in that case.")

More about "Than" and "Then"

"Then" and "than" are common words, and your readers will expect you to use the right one.

Than

"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. (Actor Woody Allen)
("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.

Then

"Then" usually relates to time. It is most commonly used as an adverb. "Then" has three meanings:

(1) 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.

(2) 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.

(3) 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.)

It's a Bad Mistake for a Native Speaker

Non-native English speakers 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 to use "than" for comparisons, including those involving time.

• Winter is later then autumn.
• Winter is later than autumn.

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