English learners — and even native speakers — often trip over than and then. They’re short, they sound similar, and they’re just one letter apart. Yet these two words have different meanings, grammatical roles, and usage rules. A single mix-up can completely change your sentence’s meaning.
This guide digs deep into than vs then, explains why the confusion exists, breaks down usage rules for than and usage rules for then, and helps you avoid common mistakes. You’ll also see side-by-side comparisons, examples, and quick reference tools so you never hesitate again.
Why the Confusion Exists
The confusion between than and then comes down to a mix of factors:
- Spelling similarity – only one letter changes.
- Pronunciation overlap – in casual speech, the vowel sound can be subtle.
- Grammatical versatility – both words can link ideas, but in different ways.
- Mixed-up usage in casual writing – texting and social media often ignore formal grammar.
A misplaced “e” or “a” might look like a harmless typo, but in English, meaning shifts quickly. Consider:
- I’d rather eat cake then salad.
➡ This suggests you’ll eat cake first, salad afterward. - I’d rather eat cake than salad.
➡ This shows a preference for cake over salad.
One letter. Two different ideas.
Understanding “Than”
Definition and Function
Than is most often a conjunction or preposition. Its primary job? To show comparisons between two things.
Grammatical roles:
- Conjunction – links two clauses for comparison.
- Preposition – comes before a noun or pronoun in a comparison.
Core Usage Examples
Here’s how “than” works in different settings:
| Type of Comparison | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Comparative adjective | She’s taller than me. | Comparing height. |
| Comparative adverb | He runs faster than his brother. | Comparing running speed. |
| Quantity | We have more people than seats. | Comparing numbers. |
| Negative comparison | No sooner had he arrived than it started raining. | Immediate sequence linked to comparison. |
Special Expressions with “Than”
- Other than – meaning “except for” or “apart from.” No one came to the meeting other than John.
- Rather than – meaning “instead of.” I’d prefer to walk rather than take the bus.
- More than – meaning greater in quantity or degree. It’s more than I expected.
Understanding “Then”
Definition and Function
Then usually functions as an adverb, but it can also be an adjective or noun. Its primary role is to relate to time/sequence or cause and effect.
Grammatical roles:
- Adverb – describes when something happens (time/sequence).
- Adjective – describing something in the past (e.g., the then president).
- Noun – referring to a specific time (e.g., since then).
Core Usage Examples
Here’s how “then” fits into sentences:
| Usage | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Time reference | Back then, things were simpler. | Referring to a past time. |
| Sequence | First we ate, then we went to the park. | Describing events in order. |
| Cause/effect | If you practice daily, then you’ll improve. | Showing result or consequence. |
| Historical adjective | The then governor approved the law. | Describing someone’s past role. |
Special Expressions with “Then”
- And then some – meaning “and even more.” He gave 100%, and then some.
- But then – introducing contrast or reconsideration. I was tired, but then, so was everyone else.
- More then – rarely correct unless referring to time. We talked for an hour back then; we were more then than now. (awkward and rare)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Than | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Comparison | Time/sequence |
| Part of speech | Conjunction, preposition | Adverb, adjective, noun |
| Common use | Faster than a cheetah | First the storm, then the calm |
| Meaning change | Shows preference/difference | Shows order/result |
| Example | Better late than never | If you wait, then you’ll see |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Using then in comparisons
❌ She’s smarter then me.
✅ She’s smarter than me.
Mistake 2: Using than for time or sequence
❌ We went to dinner, than saw a movie.
✅ We went to dinner, then saw a movie.
Mistake 3: Forgetting conditional sentences (“if … then”) need “then,” not “than”
❌ If it rains, than we’ll stay inside.
✅ If it rains, then we’ll stay inside.
Proofreading tip:
When revising, ask: Am I comparing two things? → Use than.
If you’re talking about timing, sequence, or result → Use then.
Confusing Phrases Explained
Other Than vs Other Then
- Other than – exception Nobody attended other than Lisa.
- Other then – rarely correct unless meaning “different at that time” The shop’s decor was other then than it is now. (uncommon and awkward)
More Than vs More Then
- More than – quantity or degree It costs more than $100.
- More then – refers to additional time after something We stayed an hour, maybe more then. (uncommon)
Rather Than vs Rather Then
- Rather than – preference I’d drive rather than take the bus.
- Rather then – sequence or timing after a preference (rare) We’d eat lunch, rather then take a walk. (not standard)
Etymology of Than and Then
Etymology of Than
- Comes from Old English þonne or þan, meaning “when” or “then” in early usage.
- Shifted to a comparative role in Middle English.
- Early forms often overlapped with “then” before settling into its comparison role.
Etymology of Then
- Originates from Old English þanne or þa, referring to a specific time or occasion.
- Retained temporal meaning through centuries.
- In older texts, “then” sometimes appeared where modern English would use “than.”
Historical note:
The two words were once interchangeable in some contexts — no wonder comparisons vs sequence confuse people today.
Quick Reference Guide
Quick summary of than vs then usage:
| If you’re… | Use… | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Comparing two things | Than | She’s taller than her brother. |
| Talking about time | Then | We met back then. |
| Showing sequence | Then | First clean, then cook. |
| Explaining results | Then | If you work hard, then you’ll succeed. |
Memory trick:
- “Than” has an A for comparison.
- “Then” has an E for time.
Conclusion
Than is about comparisons.
Then is about time/sequence.
Avoiding grammar errors with these two words comes down to slowing down and checking your context. If you’re measuring one thing against another, go with than. If you’re describing timing, sequence, or cause and effect, use then.
By knowing the grammatical roles (conjunction, preposition, adverb, noun, adjective) of each, learning their history, and practicing with examples, you can avoid mixed-up usage in casual writing — and write with precision.