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Then vs. Than: Time vs. Comparison

Published on January 15, 2024

The Simple Rule

  • Then = relates to time or sequence
  • Than = makes a comparison

Then: Time and Order

“Then” tells you when or what comes next:

  • “We ate dinner, then watched a movie.” ✓ (sequence)
  • “Back then, things were different.” ✓ (past time)
  • “If you’re ready, then let’s go.” ✓ (consequence)
  • “I’ll see you then.” ✓ (at that time)

Than: Comparisons

“Than” connects two things being compared:

  • “She’s taller than her brother.” ✓
  • “I’d rather walk than drive.” ✓
  • “This is better than expected.” ✓
  • “More than fifty people showed up.” ✓

The Test

Try replacing with “at that time” or “next”:

  • If it works → then
  • If it doesn’t → than

“I finished, _____ I left.” → “I finished, next I left.” ✓ → then

“She’s smarter _____ me.” → “She’s smarter next me.” ✗ → than

Why People Mix Them Up

In casual speech, “then” and “than” can sound identical:

  • “Better then ever” (sounds right, but wrong)
  • “Better than ever” ✓

Always pause and think: Am I comparing? Use than.

Common Error Patterns

Wrong: “I’d rather stay home then go out.” Right: “I’d rather stay home than go out.” (comparison)

Wrong: “No sooner than I arrived, it started raining.” Right: “No sooner than I arrived…” ✓ (actually correct—comparative) Or: “I arrived, then it started raining.” (sequence)

Quick Reference

UsageWord
First…_____then
Better/worse _____than
Back _____then
More/less _____than
If…_____then
Rather _____than

The Memory Hook

  • Then = time (both have E)
  • Than = compare (both have A)

Remember

  • Then = time, sequence, “at that moment”
  • Than = comparison, “compared to”

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