Than or Then?

by Craig Shrives

Than or Then?

What is the difference between "than" and "then"?
  • "Than" is used to introduce a comparison. For example:
    • She was smarter than you.
      • ("Than" is used with a comparison.)
  • "Then" relates to time or means "in that case." 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.)
    • If you're not happy, then leave.
      • (Here, "then" means "in that case.")
than or then?
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More about "Than" and "Then"

The words "then" and "than" look similar, but their uses are very different.

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. (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

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.)
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.
Interactive Exercise
Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.

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See Also

adverse or averse? affect or effect? appraise or apprise? avenge or revenge? bare or bear? complement or compliment? dependant or dependent? discreet or discrete? disinterested or uninterested? e.g. or i.e.? envy or jealousy? imply or infer? its or it's? material or materiel? poisonous or venomous? practice or practise? principal or principle? tenant or tenet? who's or whose? More than I or more than me? What are adjectives? What are adverbs? More on comparatives (from adjectives) More on comparatives (from adverbs) List of easily confused words