Then vs Than: Which One Do You Need?
Than compares. Then is about time or what comes next.
Taller than me. We ate, then left.
The test that settles it
Ask whether you are holding two things up against each other. If you are, it is than. If you could say next or at that time, it is then.
“Cheaper ___ the other one” → a comparison, so than.
“Finish this, ___ call me” → you mean next, so then.
Both then and time have an e; both than and comparison have an a.
Than: for comparisons
It joins the two sides of a comparison, and it appears after a comparative word such as more, less, better, older, or after other and rather.
This route is quicker than the motorway.
She would rather walk than wait.
No one knows it better than he does.
Look for a comparative just before it. If there is one, use than.
Then: for time and sequence
It places something in time, orders one thing after another, or introduces a consequence.
We were living in Dhaka then.
Add the flour, then the eggs.
If it rains, then we will move inside.
Swap in next or at that time. If either fits, use then.
Side by side
| Then | Than |
|---|---|
| Comparison | Time or sequence |
| Follows a comparative | Follows a clause |
| Swaps with nothing — it is structural | Swaps with next |
| Longer than expected | Wait, then knock |
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| He is older then his sister. | He is older than his sister. | A comparison follows older. |
| First we ate, than we left. | First we ate, then we left. | Sequence. |
| more trouble then it is worth | more trouble than it is worth | After more, always than. |
| other than that / other then that | other than that | A fixed phrase built on the comparison sense. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- The film was better ___ I expected.
- Turn left, ___ carry on to the roundabout.
- She has more experience ___ anyone here.
- I was younger ___ and did not understand.
- Rather ___ argue, he left.
Show the answers
1. than 2. then 3. than 4. then 5. than
Frequently asked
Is it “different than” or “different from”?
Both are used, but different from attracts no objections anywhere and is the safer choice in writing.
Should there be a comma before then?
Usually yes when it joins two clauses in sequence: we finished, then we left. A semicolon or full stop is often better still.
More words people confuse
