Than and then are among the most commonly confused words in English. They sound similar, but they have completely different meanings and grammatical functions.
Using the wrong word can change the meaning of a sentence and make your writing look less polished.
What Does “Than” Mean?
Than is used for comparisons.
Think of than whenever you are comparing two or more things.
Examples:
- “She is taller than her brother.”
- “This book is better than the last one.”
- “I would rather read than watch television.”
In each example, two things are being compared.
What Does “Then” Mean?
Then usually relates to time, sequence, or what happens next.
Examples:
- “We ate dinner, then we watched a movie.”
- “Finish your homework, then you can play.”
- “Back then, smartphones did not exist.”
In these examples, then refers to a point in time or the next step.
Than vs Then: Quick Comparison
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Than | Comparison | “She is older than me.” |
| Then | Time or sequence | “We left, then it started raining.” |
How to Remember the Difference
Than = Comparison
The word than contains the letter A.
Think:
- Comparison → Than
Example:
- “Coffee is stronger than tea.”
Then = Time
The word then contains the letter E.
Think:
- Time → Then
Example:
- “First breakfast, then work.”
Common Mistakes
Incorrect:
- “She is taller then her sister.”
Correct:
- “She is taller than her sister.”
Because the sentence compares two people, than is needed.
Incorrect:
- “We went shopping than went home.”
Correct:
- “We went shopping then went home.”
Because it describes what happened next, then is correct.
Example Sentences with “Than”
- “Running is faster than walking.”
- “He knows more than I do.”
- The blue car is newer than the red one.
- “I’d rather stay home than go out.”
All of these involve comparisons.
Example Sentences with “Then”
- “I woke up, then I made coffee.”
- “Let’s eat first and then leave.”
- “The store was smaller back then.”
- “If it rains, then we’ll stay inside.”
All of these involve time, order, or results.
Why the Difference Matters
Using the wrong word can make sentences confusing.
Compare:
- “She is smarter than him.” ✅
- “She is smarter then him.” ❌
The second sentence is grammatically incorrect because a comparison is being made.
FAQ: Than or Then
1. What is the difference between than and then?
Than is used for comparisons, while then is used for time, order, or sequence.
2. Is “better then” correct?
No. It should be “better than” because it is a comparison.
3. Can then mean next?
Yes. Then often means “after that” or “next.”
4. How can I remember the difference?
Think of than for comparisons and then for time.
5. Which word is used with comparative adjectives?
Than is used with words like better, bigger, faster, and stronger.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between than or then, remember one simple rule: than is for comparisons, and then is for time or sequence.
Mastering this small difference can make your writing clearer, more accurate, and more professional.
Ethan Caldwell is a U.S.-based writer focused on faith, personal growth, and mindful living. His work explores how timeless values can guide modern life, helping readers find clarity, purpose, and inner strength through thoughtful reflection.
