What’s the Difference? Than vs Then (2024)

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What’s the Difference? Than vs Then

“Than” and “Then” are often confused. They look and sound similar, but they have very different uses. Learn the difference and how to use them correctly in all situations. And then test yourself with a simple quiz!

Than

“Than” is a subordinating conjunction that joins two clauses or sentences together in order to draw acomparison.

When “than” is used, implied words are often (correctly) left out of the subordinate clause. “I enjoy swimming more than running.” is the shortened version of the equally correct “I enjoy swimming more than I enjoy running.“
“Than” is used in the following cases.

To show a preference

Mary would rather have a catthana dog.
I’d rather diethanto see you suffer.

To show a lack of choice

My car was so badly damaged in the accident that I had no choice otherthanto buy a new one.
Martin has no friends otherthanSusan.

Used with a comparative (e.g. taller, smaller, smarter) and words like “more”, “less” and “fewer” to compare with time, quantity, or an object

We need to reach the airport no laterthan7 pm.
8 is largerthan3.
John’s brother is tallerthanhim.*

*Note: Some grammarians insist that the strictly correct usage here ought to be “he”. “Than” is not a preposition. It is a conjunction that links two sentences and leaves out some implied words. So “John’s brother is tallerthanhe.” is the shortened version of “John’s brother is tallerthanhe is tall.” However, in practice, it is incredibly rare for anyone to use the “he” construction.
Here are some common expressions that use “than”:

“actions speak louder than words” – What someone does is more important than what they say.
“better late than never” – It is better that something happens (late) than never at all.
“better safe than sorry” – It is better to be careful than to regret any consequences.

Then

“Then” is related to time and is used in the following cases:

To mean “at that time” (whether past, present, or future)

Backthen, life was so much simpler.
Did someone knock justthen? I thought I heard something.
I’m free next Wednesday. Should we meetthen?
You’re thinking of waiting for Wendy? Bythen, we’d all be dead!

To mean “next”

We had dinner,thenwe watched a movie.
I worked all day,thentreated myself to a well-deserved massage in the evening.

To mean “in that case” or “therefore”. This is often is an “if… then” construction.

You think I’m annoying? Fine, I’ll stop trying to help youthen!
If you had listened to me,thenyou wouldn’t be in this sad situation.

Here are some common expressions that use “then”:

“there and then” – Immediately.When Kevin suggested a round-the-world vacation to Lisa, she agreedthere and then.
You can also use “then-” to refer to a past status.At my first job, mythen-boss (my boss at that time) was like a father to me.

How to remember the difference

A simple trick to remembering the difference is to think of “then” (with ane) being related to “time” or something happening “next”. Whereas “than” (with ana) is used for “comparison”.

Hear the difference

Even if you meant the correct word, pronouncing it wrongly might still cause confusion. Learn the difference and practice pronouncing the words correctly.