When to Use Then or Than: A Comprehensive Guide

The English language contains tricky words that can confuse even native speakers. Then or than are two such words that often cause trouble. These small words play crucial roles in our sentences, but misusing them can change the meaning of what we’re trying to say.

In this guide, I’ll break down the correct use of then or than, helping you master these commonly confused words.

What’s the difference between then and than?

The main difference between then and than is their core functions in a sentence. “Then” relates to time or sequence, while “than” is used for comparisons. They understand that the fundamental diff between than and then define then is vital to using them correctly.

“Then” indicates:

• A point in time
• What happens next in a sequence
• A result or consequence

“Than” is used:

• To compare two or more things
• In expressions of preference

Knowing the then and than meaning helps avoid mix-ups. “Then” deals with when things happen, while “than” deals with how things compare.

When to Use ‘Then’ in Your Sentences

“Then” is all about time and sequence. Here are the main ways to use it:

• To indicate a specific time: “I’ll see you then.”
• To show what comes next: “First, add the flour, then mix in the eggs.”
• To express a consequence: “If it rains, then the picnic will be canceled.”
• In specific fixed phrases: “Now and then” (occasionally), “Back then” (in the past)

Then” always relates to time or order of events. If you’re not dealing with when something happens or what comes next, it’s probably not the right word to use.

How to Use ‘Than’ the Right Way

“Than” is the go-to word for comparisons. Here’s how to use it correctly:

• To compare two things: “She’s taller than her brother.”
• With comparative adjectives: “This book is more interesting than the last one.”
• To express preference: “I’d rather stay home than go out tonight.”
• In specific phrases: “Other than” (except for), “No sooner than” (as soon as)

The key to using “than” correctly is to remember it’s always about comparing or contrasting things. If you’re not making a comparison, you probably need “then” instead.

Common Mistakes: More than vs More then

One of the most frequent errors I see is the mix-up between more than vs more then. Now, I clear this up once and for all:

• “More than” is always correct when making comparisons. “She has more than enough money.”
• “More then” is always incorrect. There needs to be a situation where this phrase is correct.

To avoid this mistake, remember that “than” is used for comparisons. Since “more” is already making a comparison, it will always be followed by “than,” “never, “and “then.”

Rather than or then’: Which is Correct?

Another common area for clarification is between rather than or then. Here’s the simple rule:

• “Rather than“ is always correct. “I’d prefer to walk rather than drive.”
• “Rather then” is always incorrect.

“Rather than” expresses preference or comparison, which is why it uses “than.” There’s no correct use for “rather then” in standard English.

Examples of ‘Then’ and ‘Than’ in Everyday Writing

Look at some then and than examples to cement your understanding:

Using “then”:

• “I’ll finish my work, then I’ll call you.”
• “If you’re hungry, then you should eat something.”
• “Back then, we didn’t have smartphones.”

Using “than”:

• “This car is faster than the old one.”
• “I have more free time than I used to.”
• “He’s better at math than I am.”

Notice how “then” relates to time or sequence, while “than” is used for comparisons. These then and than examples will help you choose the right word in your writing.

The Meaning of ‘Then’: Time and Sequence

Now, look deeper into the definition of then. At its core, “then” is about time and sequence. Here are its main uses:

• To indicate a specific time in the past or future: “I lived in New York back then.” “See you then!”
• To show what comes next in a series of events: “First, preheat the oven. Then, mix the ingredients.”
• To express a logical consequence: “If you study hard, then you’ll pass the exam.”

Understanding these uses helps clarify the difference between then and than. “Then” always relates to when something happens or the order in which things occur.

Understanding ‘Than’ for Comparisons

Now, explore the meaning of “than.” This word is all about comparisons and is used in several ways:

• To compare two things or people: “She’s smarter than her classmates.”
• With comparative adjectives and adverbs: “The blue shirt is cheaper than the red one.” “He runs faster than I do.”
• To express preference: “I’d rather eat out than cook tonight.”
• In specific fixed phrases: “Other than that, everything is fine.”

If you’re comparing or contrasting, “than” is likely the word you need.

Quick Tips to Remember: ‘Then’ vs. ‘Than’

Here are some quick tips to help you remember the diff between than and then:

• “Then” rhymes with “when” and both relate to time.
• “Than” has an “a” like “comparison” – both have that “a” sound.
• If you can replace the word with “next” or “at that time,” use “then.”
• If you’re comparing things, use “than.”
• “More than” is always correct; “more then” is always wrong.
• “Rather than” is correct; “rather then” is incorrect.

These tips, and you’ll find it easier to choose between “then” and “than” in your writing.

Other Words You Can Use Instead of ‘Then’

Using another word for then can make your writing more transparent or varied. Here are some alternatives:

For sequence:

• Next
• Afterward
• Subsequently

For a specific time:

• At that time
• At that point

For consequences:

• In that case
• As a result

For “back then”:

• In those days
• At that time in the past

While these words can often replace “then,” they might slightly change the tone or emphasis of your sentence. Choose the one that best fits your context.

Common Phrases and Their Correct Usage

Look at some phrases that often confuse:

More than vs More then:

• Correct: There were more than 100 people at the event.
• Incorrect: There were more then 100 people at the event.

Rather than or then:

• Correct: I prefer tea rather than coffee.
• Incorrect: I prefer tea rather then coffee.

Nothing better than or then:

• Correct: There’s nothing better than a good book on a rainy day.
• Incorrect: There’s nothing better then a good book on a rainy day.

Different from vs Different than’:

• Correct: This version is different from the one I saw earlier.
• Also correct (but less preferred): This version is different than the one I saw earlier.

Practical Examples in Context

To further illustrate the correct use of then and than, let’s look at some sentences in context:

Time sequence:

• I finished my work, then I went for a walk.
• We’ll have lunch, and then we’ll discuss the project.

Comparisons:

• She’s much taller than her sister.
• This book is more interesting than the last one I read.

Preference:

• I’d rather stay in than go out tonight.
• He prefers coffee rather than tea in the morning.

Conditional statements:

• If you’re free tomorrow, then we can meet for lunch.
• If it rains, then we’ll have to cancel the picnic.

Time references:

• Back then, we didn’t have smartphones.
• I’ll see you then (referring to a previously mentioned time).

Conclusion

The correct use of then and than is a critical step in improving your writing. Remember, “then” deals with time and sequence, while “than” is for comparisons. By keeping this fundamental difference between then and then in mind, you can use these words correctly in your writing. Practice makes perfect, so watch for these words in your reading and writing. Before long, choosing between “then” and “than” will become second nature to you.