When to Use “Then” vs. “Than”

Understanding the difference between “then” and “than” is one of the most important steps to becoming a better communicator in English. These two words look and sound similar, but they do completely different jobs in a sentence.

Mixing them up is a very common mistake that can confuse your reader or listener. In this guide, you will learn exactly how to use “then” and “than” correctly, with real-life examples, simple rules, and visual guidance that make the difference clear.

Whether you are a student, a teacher, a worker, or someone writing a social media post, this guide will speak directly to you in plain language and help you avoid this mistake forever.

Let’s break it down so clearly that you’ll never forget the difference again.

What Is “Then”?

The word then is mostly used to talk about time, consequences, or sequences. It shows when something happens or what happens next.

READ: Avoiding Run-On Sentences with Simple Fixes

Common Uses of “Then”:

1. To show what happens next or in what order

2. To mean “at that time”

3. To show a result or consequence of something

4. To add a condition (if… then…)

Four Simple Examples of “Then” in Sentences

1. We ate breakfast, then went to school.
   Here, “then” tells you what happened next.

2. I was younger then, around ten years old.
   In this case, “then” refers to a time in the past.

3. If it rains, then we will stay inside.
   Now, “then” shows the result of a condition.

4. She finished the test, then relaxed.
   “Then” again shows the order of events.

So when you are talking about time, order, or results, “then” is your word.

What Is “Than”?

The word than is a comparing word. It helps you show the difference between two things.

Common Uses of “Than”:

1. To compare qualities, amounts, or people

2. To express preferences

3. To say one thing is more or less than another

Four Simple Examples of “Than” in Sentences

1. She is taller than her brother.
   This compares height between two people.

2. I would rather walk than take the bus.
   This shows a preference.

3. He eats faster than I do.
   This compares how quickly someone eats.

4. That bag is more expensive than mine.
   This compares prices.

So whenever you are comparing two things, “than” is the word to use.

READ: Understanding Double Negatives in English

“Then” vs. “Than” Side-by-Side – A Quick Visual Guide

Easy Tricks to Remember the Difference

If you’re unsure which word to use, try this:

Ask yourself: Am I comparing something?
If yes, use “than.”

Am I talking about time, order, or results?
If yes, use “then.”

Another trick is to remember that “than” has an “a” like the word “compare.”
So if it’s a comparison, pick “than.”

Real-Life Mix-Ups and Why They Matter

People often type things like:

• “She’s better then me.”
  Wrong. You are comparing two people. The correct word is “than.”

• “We went to the market, than we went home.”
  Wrong. This is about time order. The correct word is “then.”

Why does it matter? Because these mistakes can change the meaning of your sentence and make your writing or speech look careless. In work emails, job applications, school essays, or public posts, even one wrong word can leave the wrong impression.

More Real-Life Examples to Make It Stick

Correct Uses of “Then”

1. We’ll go to the movies, then grab dinner.

2. I was much smaller then, just starting school.

3. If he agrees, then we can move forward.

4. She checked her watch, then ran out the door.

Correct Uses of “Than”

1. This book is more interesting than the last one.

2. My phone is older than yours.

3. He’d rather sleep than study.

4. Her voice is softer than a whisper.

READ: Correct Use of “Who” vs. “Whom” – A Simple, Practical Guide for Everyone

Why This Mistake Happens So Often

The mistake between “then” and “than” happens because they sound close, especially when said quickly. Also, people rely more on speech than writing when learning language, so they often write what they think they hear. English doesn’t always make things easy, but this one is very fixable once you understand the difference.

When you type quickly or use spellcheck tools, they won’t always correct this mistake because both “then” and “than” are real words. You must know what you’re saying and double-check the meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can “then” and “than” ever be used in the same sentence?
Yes. For example: “If you finish your work, then you can do something more fun than homework.”
Here, “then” shows the result, and “than” shows a comparison.

2. Is it okay to say “rather then”?
No. The correct phrase is “rather than.” This shows preference.
Example: “I’d rather sleep than go to the party.”

3. What if the sentence still sounds okay with the wrong word?
Even if it sounds fine, the meaning will be off.
“He is stronger then me” sounds okay, but it’s incorrect. “Then” is about time, not comparison. The correct sentence is “He is stronger than me.”

4. Why doesn’t grammar check always catch the error?
Because both words are spelled correctly. Grammar check tools don’t always understand your meaning. It’s best to learn and apply the rule yourself.

READ: Affect vs. Effect Clarified with Real Examples

5. How can I test myself to remember better?
Try this. Create five sentences using “then” and five using “than.” Read each one and explain to yourself why the word is correct. Practice is the fastest way to lock it into memory.

Conclusion: Mastering “Then” and “Than” for Good

Once you understand that “then” is all about time or results and “than” is all about comparing things, it becomes very hard to make this mistake again.

This is one of those grammar rules that’s simple when explained the right way. Now that you’ve seen real examples, side-by-side comparisons, and common errors, you have a clear picture of how to use these two tiny words correctly.

The next time you write or speak, pause for a second. Ask yourself:
“Am I comparing? Or am I talking about time or sequence?”
That one question will help you choose the right word every time.

By mastering this simple rule, you not only improve your grammar but also show attention to detail in your communication. And that small change can make a big difference in how you are understood, respected, and taken seriously—at school, at work, and in everyday life.