What’s The Difference Between ‘Than’ And ‘Then’?

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ‘THAN’ AND ‘THEN’

Do you know what’s the difference between THAN and THEN? A lot of people confuse these two words, which is understandable due to their similarity in writing. In pronunciation the same thing happens, the difference between ‘than’ and ‘then’ is very subtle (check their pronunciation by clicking here for ‘than’, and here for ‘then’). If you are not sure about how to use these words, keep reading to learn when to use each one right now!

In a nutshell, ‘than’ is used either as a conjunction or a preposition in comparisons. ‘Then’ is used when we refer to time, and it may work as an adverb, a noun, or an adjective. To make it clearer, take a look at the explanation below.

THAN

• introduces the second element in a comparison

I’m younger than my sister (used as a preposition)

He’s more intelligent than she is (used as a conjunction)

• is used in expressions that show contrasts or exceptions

Students usually observe the class rather than participate in it

She doesn’t do anything to help her mother other than making her bed

They work more than they need to

My dog weighs less than yours

• is used in idioms that compare two situations

Better late than never

More dead than alive

… is better than nothing

THEN

• means ‘(at) that time’

I lived in the US in 2015. I was a high schooler then. (used as an adverb)

He said he’d come to get me, I’ll have to wait until then (used as a noun)

I went to London last year. The then mayor promoted scholarships for foreigners to study there (used as an adjective)

• means ‘after that’

I first bought my house then I bought my car (used as an adverb)

• is used in the structure ‘if…, then…’, meaning ‘in that case’

If you practice social distancing and use a face mask, then there’s nothing to worry about

If I keep reading the articles published on this blog, then I’ll develop my English skills faster

TO SUM UP THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ‘THAN’ AND ‘THEN’

‘Than’ is used when you compare things; ‘then’ is always related to time. Now you know the difference between ‘than’ and ‘then’.

If you want to read more tips on vocabulary, click here!