When should I use then?

Use then for sequence, time, or the result half of an if… then sentence. We finished the draft, then sent it.

When should I use than?

Use than after comparative words: more, fewer, better, older, rather, other. This route is faster than the motorway.

Unconfuse · Free

Then vs. Than: What's the Difference?

Quick answer

Then is about time or sequence, what happens next.
Than is used for comparisons, more, less, better, worse.

The difference

Then answers when. Than answers compared with what. If you can replace the word with “next” or “at that time”, use then; if two things are being weighed against each other, use than.

Then

Usually: adverb
Think: next
Meaning: At that time, or after that.
Example: We finished the draft, then sent it.

Than

Usually: conjunction
Think: compared with
Meaning: Used to introduce the second part of a comparison.
Example: This route is faster than the motorway.

When to use then

Use then for sequence, time, or the result half of an if… then sentence.

Back then, nobody carried a phone.
If the train is late, then take the bus.

When to use than

Use than after comparative words: more, fewer, better, older, rather, other.

She'd rather walk than wait.
It cost less than I expected.

Remember it

ThEn = timE. ThAn = compArison.

Common mix-up

Incorrect: This is better then the last one.

Correct: This is better than the last one.

“Better” signals a comparison, so it takes than.

Free

Think you've got it?

Nothing is worse _____ a slow reply.
We ate, and _____ we walked home.
Which is correct?

Look these up

Then in the dictionary Than in the dictionary

You might also confuse

fewerless

Things you can count, and things you can't.

Unconfuse

affecteffect

Verb or noun? Action or result?

Unconfuse

e.g.i.e.

For example, or in other words?

Unconfuse

Now use it for real

Real-World Practice puts words into the situations you actually meet, free, no AI credits.

Try Real-World Practice