The quick answer: Then relates to time or sequence (first this, then that). Than is used for comparisons (bigger than, rather than). If you are talking about order, use then. If you are comparing two things, use than. This guide explains the difference with clear examples, common mistakes, and practice exercises so you can use both words correctly in writing, email, and conversation.
Quick Answer: Then vs. Than
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Then | Time, sequence, or consequence | We ate dinner, then we watched a movie. |
| Than | Comparison | She is taller than her brother. |
If you can replace the word with “next” or “after that,” use then. If you can replace it with “compared to,” use than.
When to Use Then
Then is an adverb that refers to time. It tells you when something happens or what happens next. It can also mean “at that time” or “in that case.”
Common Uses of Then
- Sequence of events: First, we will review the report. Then, we will discuss the budget.
- Time reference: Life was different back then.
- Consequence or result: If you finish your work early, then you can leave.
- In lists: First, add the flour. Then, add the eggs. Then, mix everything together.
Natural Examples with Then
- I will call you when I arrive. Then we can decide where to meet.
- She studied for three hours. Then she took a short break.
- If the client agrees to the terms, then we can sign the contract.
- Back then, people wrote letters instead of emails.
Formal and Informal Tone with Then
In formal writing, then is often used with “if” to show a logical result: “If the data is accurate, then the conclusion is valid.” In informal conversation, then is common in short sentences: “Okay, then. See you later.”
When to Use Than
Than is a conjunction or preposition used to introduce the second part of a comparison. It always follows a comparative adjective or adverb (like bigger, smaller, faster, more, less).
Common Uses of Than
- Comparing two things: This laptop is faster than my old one.
- Comparing amounts: She earns more than I do.
- Preferences: I would rather walk than take the bus.
- With “other” or “else”: No one other than you can help me.
Natural Examples with Than
- This restaurant is better than the one we visited last week.
- He arrived earlier than expected.
- I have less patience than my manager.
- She would rather read a book than watch television.
Formal and Informal Tone with Than
In formal writing, than is used with full clauses: “The results were better than we had anticipated.” In informal speech, the clause is often shortened: “This is better than that.” Both are correct, but the full form is safer for professional emails and academic writing.
Comparison Table: Then vs. Than
| Feature | Then | Than |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | Adverb (sometimes adjective or noun) | Conjunction or preposition |
| Core meaning | Time, sequence, consequence | Comparison |
| Example sentence | Finish your homework, then play outside. | She is faster than her teammate. |
| Common phrase | And then, back then, if…then | Better than, more than, rather than |
| Test trick | Replace with “next” or “after that” | Replace with “compared to” |
Common Mistakes with Then and Than
Even native speakers confuse these two words. Here are the most frequent errors and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using “than” when you mean time
Incorrect: First we will meet, than we will discuss the project.
Correct: First we will meet, then we will discuss the project.
Why: The sentence describes a sequence, not a comparison.
Mistake 2: Using “then” when you mean comparison
Incorrect: She is taller then her sister.
Correct: She is taller than her sister.
Why: The sentence compares height, so you need than.
Mistake 3: Confusing “rather then” and “rather than”
Incorrect: I prefer coffee rather then tea.
Correct: I prefer coffee rather than tea.
Why: “Rather than” is a fixed phrase used for preferences and comparisons.
Mistake 4: Using “more then” instead of “more than”
Incorrect: The project cost more then we expected.
Correct: The project cost more than we expected.
Why: “More than” is a comparative phrase.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
In some contexts, you can replace then or than with more specific words to improve clarity.
Alternatives for Then
- Afterward / Afterwards: Use in formal writing. “We completed the analysis. Afterward, we presented the findings.”
- Subsequently: Very formal. “The company launched the product. Subsequently, sales increased.”
- Next: Simple and clear. “Add the sugar. Next, stir the mixture.”
- In that case: For consequences. “If you are busy, in that case, we can reschedule.”
Alternatives for Than
- Compared to: Useful in formal comparisons. “This year’s revenue is higher compared to last year.”
- In contrast to: Emphasizes difference. “In contrast to the previous model, this one is lighter.”
- Rather than: For preferences. “Rather than waiting, we should act now.”
When to Use the Original Words
Stick with then and than in everyday conversation, informal emails, and simple writing. Use alternatives when you need a more formal or precise tone, such as in business reports, academic papers, or professional correspondence.
Context: Email and Conversation
In Email
In professional emails, the difference between then and than matters for clarity. A misplaced word can confuse your reader.
- Correct: “Please review the attached document, and then send me your feedback.” (sequence)
- Correct: “Our team is more experienced than the competition.” (comparison)
- Common error: “Please review the document than send feedback.” (should be then)
In Conversation
In spoken English, people sometimes slur these words, making them sound similar. But careful speakers distinguish them. In casual conversation, you can use short forms: “First this, then that.” For comparisons, always use than: “She is better than me.”
Mini Practice: Then or Than?
Choose the correct word for each sentence. Answers are below.
- I need to finish this report, and then / than I will join the meeting.
- This solution is more efficient then / than the old one.
- If you are ready, then / than we can begin.
- She would rather work from home then / than commute every day.
Answers
- then (sequence: finish report, then join meeting)
- than (comparison: more efficient than)
- then (consequence: if ready, then begin)
- than (preference: rather than)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can “then” ever be used as a comparison word?
No. Then never indicates comparison. If you are comparing two things, you must use than. The only exception is in very old or poetic English, but in modern usage, the rule is strict.
2. Is it “different than” or “different from”?
Both are used, but “different from” is more common in formal writing. “Different than” is acceptable in American English, especially in informal contexts. For example: “This book is different from the movie” (formal) or “This book is different than the movie” (informal).
3. What about “then” in “if…then” sentences?
In “if…then” constructions, then is optional but helpful for clarity. Example: “If you study hard, then you will pass.” You can also say “If you study hard, you will pass.” Both are correct.
4. How can I remember the difference?
Think of the letter “a” in than for “a comparison.” Think of the letter “e” in then for “time” or “event.” Another trick: Than has the same “a” as “compare,” and then has the same “e” as “next.”
Final Tip
When you are writing an email, a report, or a text message, pause for one second before you type “then” or “than.” Ask yourself: Am I talking about time or comparison? If it is time, use then. If it is comparison, use than. This simple check will eliminate most errors. For more help with similar word pairs, explore our Grammar Word Differences guides. If you have questions about this topic, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
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