Than vs. Then: The Difference Explained in 5 Minutes

English has many near-homophones that trip up even fluent speakers. Among the most common are “than” and “then”. These two words differ by only one letter, yet they play very different roles in sentences. In this quick guide, we’ll unpack the difference between them, provide tips to remember which is which, and offer examples to help you use them correctly.

TL;DR - The 30-Second Answer

THAN = Comparison (better than, more than, rather than)
THEN = Time/Sequence (back then, and then, if…:then)

Memory trick: Than has an A like compArison. Then has an E like sEquence.

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What Does “Than” Mean?

“Than” is usually a conjunction or preposition. Its primary purpose is to introduce a comparison—showing how one thing differs from another. It often follows comparative adjectives like “smaller”, “older”, or phrases like “rather than” and “other than”.

Real-World Examples:

• Your email response was faster than I expected. (professional)
• This research methodology is more rigorous than previous studies. (academic)
• She’d rather work remotely than commute two hours daily. (workplace)
• The revised contract offers better terms than the original proposal. (business)
• He grew up to be taller than his father. (everyday)

Note on formal writing: The pronoun case after “than” can depend on whether the pronoun is a subject or object. For example, “They like you more than her” means they like you more than they like her, while “They like you more than she does” means they like you more than she likes you. Making the implied verb explicit helps clarify your intended meaning.

What Does “Then” Mean?

“Then” is primarily an adverb, though it can also function as a noun or adjective. Its core meaning relates to time, sequence, consequence, or logical result. It answers the question when? or shows order in a series of events. It can also indicate a logical consequence (in “if…then” constructions) or mean “in that case.”

Real-World Examples:

• Save your document, then close all applications before restarting. (technical)
• If the data shows a significant correlation, then we’ll proceed to the next phase. (research)
• The campaign launched in June; since then, engagement has increased by 40%. (marketing)
• First, I’ll review your proposal, then schedule a meeting with the team. (business)
• Mike watched a movie and then went shopping. (everyday)
• As a noun: Since then, Stan has drifted away from the group.
• As an adjective: The then treasurer was diligent about updating the files weekly.

Key Differences at a Glance

Than	Then
Introduces comparisons	Refers to time or sequence
Used with comparative words (more, less, better, faster)	Indicates when something happens
Follows phrases like “rather than” and “other than”	Shows logical consequences or means “in that case”
Memory trick: than/comparison both have ‘a’	Memory trick: then/event both have ‘e’
Think: “different than”	Think: “what happens then?”

Multiple Memory Techniques

Choose the method that works best for your learning style:

1. Letter Association: than/compArison have ‘A’; then/sEquence have ‘E’
2. Rhyming Reminder: “If you’re comparing, use than. If you’re ordering events, use then.”
3. Substitution Test:
   • Replace with “compared to” → if it works, use than
   • Replace with “at that time” or “next” → if it works, use then
4. Visual Trick: THAN has arrows → < and > (comparison symbols)
5. Sound-Alike: “Than” sounds like “compare-then” → but drop the “compare” for sequence!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Did you know? Studies of online writing show that “than/then” confusion appears in approximately 2-3% of all texts, making it one of the top 10 most frequent English errors. Even professional writers slip up occasionally!

1. Mixing up in “if” statements: Use “if…then” for consequences or conditional results.

   • ✓ If it rains, then we’ll stay inside.
   • ✗ If it rains, than we’ll stay inside.

2. After comparatives: Words like “more”, “less”, “older”, “better” always pair with “than”.

   • ✓ She is smarter than her brother.
   • ✗ She is smarter then her brother.
   • ✓ This solution is more cost-effective than outsourcing.
   • ✗ This solution is more cost-effective then outsourcing.

3. Confusing “other than” with “other then”: Only “other than” is correct when expressing “except for” or “besides.”

   • ✓ Other than chocolate, I don’t like sweets.
   • ✗ Other then chocolate, I don’t like sweets.
   • ✓ Other than the budget concerns, the proposal looks solid.

4. Phrasal confusions:

   • Phrases like “no sooner…than”, “rather than”, “more than ever” always require “than”
   • Phrases like “then and there”, “until then”, “now and then”, and “ok then” always require “then”

5. Email and text embarrassments: “I’ll send the report, than we can discuss” ✗ should be “then we can discuss” ✓

Extended Practice: Test Your Skills

Choose the correct word for each sentence:

Basic Level:

1. Sarah arrived earlier _____ expected.
2. First, preheat the oven, _____ mix the ingredients.
3. If you’re not ready, _____ we should postpone the meeting.
4. This project is more challenging _____ the last one.
5. Back _____, nobody had smartphones.

Intermediate Level:

6. The client prefers email communication rather _____ phone calls.
7. Submit your application by Friday; _____ you’ll hear back within two weeks.
8. Our Q3 results were stronger _____ projected.
9. The policy has been in effect since _____; compliance has improved significantly.
10. If the prototype tests well, _____ we’ll move to full production.

Advanced Level:

11. No sooner had the meeting started _____ technical issues arose.
12. The _____ CEO implemented several reforms before retiring.
13. Other _____ minor formatting issues, the document is ready for publication.
14. Now and _____, we review our processes for efficiency gains.
15. This approach is less risky _____ the alternative, and _____ we won’t need additional insurance.

Answers:

1.than | 2.then | 3.then | 4.than | 5.then | 6.than | 7.then | 8.than | 9.then | 10.then | 11.than | 12.then | 13.than | 14.then | 15.than, then

How did you score?

• 13-15 correct: Expert level! You’ve mastered this distinction.
• 10-12 correct: Strong understanding. Review the tricky phrases.
• 7-9 correct: Good foundation. Practice the memory tricks.
• Below 7: Focus on the basic rule—comparison vs. sequence.

Decision Tree: Still Confused?

Is the sentence about comparison or ranking?
    │
    ├─ YES → Use THAN
    │   └─ Examples: bigger than, more than, less than, rather than
    │
    └─ NO → Is it about time, sequence, or consequence?
        │
        ├─ YES → Use THEN
        │   └─ Examples: and then, back then, if...then
        │
        └─ STILL UNSURE? → Try the substitution test:
            • Can you replace it with "compared to"? → THAN
            • Can you replace it with "after that"? → THEN

Quick Reference Card

Use THAN when:

• Making comparisons (taller than, more than, less than)
• After comparative adjectives/adverbs
• In phrases: rather than, other than, no sooner than
• Expressing preference or difference
• Following “different”, “prefer”, “better”, “worse”

Use THEN when:

• Talking about time (back then, since then, until then)
• Showing sequence (first… then, and then)
• Indicating consequence (if… then)
• Meaning “in that case” or “therefore”
• Describing what happened next

Red Flag Phrases:

• “More…than” ✓ | “More…then” ✗
• “If…then” ✓ | “If…than” ✗
• “Other than” ✓ | “Other then” ✗
• “And then” ✓ | “And than” ✗

Why This Matters

Confusing “than” and “then” might seem minor, but it affects how others perceive your writing:

• Professional communication: Mixing these words in emails, reports, or presentations can undermine your credibility
• Academic writing: Reviewers and professors notice these errors, potentially affecting grades
• Job applications: Resume and cover letter mistakes can cost you interview opportunities
• Clear communication: The wrong choice can actually change your meaning, causing confusion

Getting this right takes seconds to check but makes a lasting impression.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between “than” and “then” is a small investment with big returns. By remembering that “than” compares and “then” sequences or times events, you’ll avoid one of English’s most common pitfalls. The examples and tips above show how these words fit into everyday sentences and more complex structures. Whether you’re writing a formal essay or a casual message, taking an extra second to check which word fits will make your writing clearer, stronger, and better than ever.

Pro tip: Before hitting “send” on important emails or documents, do a quick search (Ctrl+F / Cmd+F) for “than” and “then” to verify you’ve used each correctly. This 10-second habit can save you from embarrassing mistakes.

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Want more practice? Bookmark this page and revisit the practice section weekly until the distinction becomes automatic. Most people need about 2-3 weeks of conscious practice before it becomes second nature.