If you have ever paused while writing a sentence and wondered whether to use then or than, you are not alone. These two words sound similar but have completely different jobs. The direct answer is: then is about time or sequence, and than is about comparison. Once you know this simple rule, you will stop mixing them up.
Quick Answer
- Then = time, order, or result. Example: “First I eat breakfast, then I go to work.”
- Than = comparison. Example: “She is taller than her brother.”
If you are comparing two things, use than. If you are talking about what happens next or a point in time, use then.
When to Use Then
Then is an adverb that connects events in time or shows a logical result. It answers the question “when?” or “what happens next?”
Common Uses of Then
- Sequence of events: “We finished the project, and then we celebrated.”
- Cause and result: “If you study hard, then you will pass the exam.”
- At that time: “I was still living in London back then.”
- In lists or instructions: “First, add the flour. Then, mix in the eggs.”
Formal and Informal Tone with Then
In casual conversation, then is very common and natural. In formal writing, you can still use it, but you might replace it with “subsequently” or “afterward” for a more academic tone. However, in emails and everyday writing, then is perfectly fine.
Email and Conversation Examples
- Email: “Please review the document, and then send me your feedback.”
- Conversation: “I’ll call you then, okay?”
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 people or things: “This book is more interesting than that one.”
- Comparing actions: “He runs faster than I do.”
- Comparing amounts: “I have less money than I thought.”
- Preferences: “I would rather stay home than go out in the rain.”
Formal and Informal Tone with Than
Than works in all contexts, from casual chats to formal reports. The only difference is that in very formal writing, you might use “than does” or “than is” for clarity. For example: “The new policy is more effective than the old one was.”
Email and Conversation Examples
- Email: “Our team delivered faster results than expected.”
- Conversation: “She is a better singer than me.” (Note: “than me” is common in casual English; “than I am” is more formal.)
Comparison Table: Then vs Than
| Feature | Then | Than |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | Adverb (sometimes adjective) | Conjunction or preposition |
| Meaning | Time, sequence, result | Comparison |
| Example sentence | “We ate dinner, then we watched a movie.” | “She is older than him.” |
| Common context | Instructions, stories, timelines | Comparisons, preferences, differences |
| Formal alternative | Subsequently, afterward | In comparison to (rarely needed) |
| Typical mistake | Using “than” when time is meant | Using “then” when comparing |
Natural Examples
Read these sentences aloud. They show how then and than appear in real life.
- “I will finish my homework, and then I can play video games.”
- “This coffee is hotter than I expected.”
- “If you miss the bus, then you will have to walk.”
- “My sister is more patient than I am.”
- “First, we need to buy tickets. Then, we can enter the museum.”
- “He earns less money than his coworker.”
- “Back then, people wrote letters instead of emails.”
- “I would rather read a book than watch TV.”
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using “than” when you mean “then”
❌ “First we will discuss the budget, than we will move to the next topic.”
✅ “First we will discuss the budget, then we will move to the next topic.”
Why? The sentence shows a sequence of events, not a comparison.
Mistake 2: Using “then” when you mean “than”
❌ “She is taller then her friend.”
✅ “She is taller than her friend.”
Why? You are comparing height, so you need the comparison word than.
Mistake 3: Confusing “rather then” with “rather than”
❌ “I prefer tea rather then coffee.”
✅ “I prefer tea rather than coffee.”
Why? “Rather than” is a fixed phrase used to show preference between two options.
Mistake 4: Using “than” after “different”
❌ “This phone is different than that one.” (Common in American English, but many teachers prefer “different from”.)
✅ “This phone is different from that one.” (More standard in formal writing.)
Note: “Different than” is widely used in casual American English, but if you want to be safe, use “different from” in formal writing and emails.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes you can replace then or than with other words to sound more precise or formal. Here are some alternatives:
Instead of “then” (time/sequence)
- Afterward – “We finished the meeting. Afterward, we had lunch.” (More formal)
- Next – “First, wash the vegetables. Next, chop them.” (Clear in instructions)
- Subsequently – “The company launched the product. Subsequently, sales increased.” (Very formal, good for reports)
- Later – “I will call you later.” (Casual and common)
Instead of “than” (comparison)
- In comparison to – “In comparison to last year, profits are up.” (Formal)
- Compared with – “Compared with the old system, this one is faster.” (Neutral)
- Rather than – “Rather than wait, we decided to leave.” (Shows preference)
When to use the alternatives
- Use then in everyday conversation, emails to colleagues, and simple instructions.
- Use afterward or subsequently in formal reports, academic writing, or professional emails.
- Use than in all comparisons. You rarely need to replace it.
- Use in comparison to when you want to sound more analytical.
Mini Practice: Then or Than?
Choose the correct word for each sentence. Answers are below.
- I would rather walk to the store ______ drive.
- First, we need to buy groceries. ______, we can cook dinner.
- This test is harder ______ the last one.
- If you finish early, ______ you can leave.
Answers:
- than (comparing two actions: walking vs. driving)
- then (showing the next step in a sequence)
- than (comparing two tests)
- then (showing a result or consequence)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can “then” ever be used as a noun?
Yes, in phrases like “by then” or “until then.” For example: “I will see you by then.” In this case, then refers to a specific time. It is still about time, not comparison.
2. Is it “more than” or “more then”?
It is always more than. “More then” is incorrect. Example: “I have more than enough food.”
3. What about “less than” and “fewer than”?
Both use than because they are comparisons. “Less than” is for uncountable things (less than water), and “fewer than” is for countable things (fewer than five people).
4. Why do some people write “then” when they mean “than”?
This is usually a typing error or a result of speaking quickly. Since the words sound similar in fast speech, writers sometimes choose the wrong one. The best way to avoid this is to pause and ask yourself: “Am I comparing two things, or am I talking about time?”
Final Tip for English Learners
If you are ever unsure, try this trick: replace the word with “next” or “after that.” If the sentence still makes sense, use then. If it does not, you probably need than. For example:
- “I will eat lunch, [next/after that] I will take a nap.” → Use then.
- “She is taller [next/after that] me.” → This does not make sense, so use than.
With a little practice, choosing between then and than will become automatic. Focus on the core idea: time versus comparison. That is all you need to remember.
For more help with similar word pairs, explore our Beginner Comparison Guides or check out other Grammar Word Differences. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
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