Then And Than| The Difference

English learners often struggle with distinguishing between the words “then” and “than.” Although they sound similar, they have distinct meanings and uses. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll clarify the difference between these two words, providing examples and tips to help you use them correctly.

Aspect	“Then”	“Than”
Type	Adverb	Conjunction
Use	Indicates time, consequence, or transition	Compares things or expresses preference
Function	Denotes sequence of events, consequences, transitions, or a specific moment in time	Highlights differences in qualities, quantities, preferences, or presents a choice
Example	He finished his homework, then played	She is taller than her brother
When Used	Sequential events: “then” shows order or progression	Comparisons: “than” compares two elements, expressing a difference or preference
Usage Contexts	“Then” is used to indicate what comes next in a sequence, consequence, or transition. It often follows a preceding action or condition.	“Than” is employed to compare two things or express a preference. It typically follows a comparative adjective or adverb.
Sentence Structure	“Then” is commonly found in sentences indicating a sequence of events, either at the beginning, between clauses, or after an action.	“Than” is usually placed immediately after a comparative word or before the second element of comparison.
Example Sentence	She finished her homework, then watched TV.	He prefers tea than coffee.

Difference between Then and Than:

Understanding the context in which “then” and “than” are used is crucial to avoid confusion. Despite their similar pronunciation, they serve different purposes:

Aspect	“Then”	“Than”
Type	Adverb	Conjunction
Use	Indicates order or time	Compares things or expresses a choice
Example	He finished homework, then played	I have more books than you
When Used	For events in sequence	For comparing things or expressing choice

When to Use Then:

“Then” is a versatile word used to denote time, consequence, or transition. Here are instances when to use “then” with examples:

Usage	Example
Sequential Time	I woke up early, then I went for a run.
Consequence or Result	If you don’t study, then you might fail the exam.
As a Transition	First, preheat the oven. Then, mix the ingredients.
Conjunction	She finished her work, then she went home.

When to Use Than:

“Than” is a conjunction used for comparison. It highlights differences between two things or ideas. Here’s when to use “than” with examples:

Usage	Example
Comparing Differences	She is taller than her brother.
Comparing Preferences or Choices	I’d rather go for a walk than watch TV.
Comparing Actions or Outcomes	He would do anything rather than disappoint his parents.
With Comparative Adjectives/Adverbs	She’s more talented than I am.

How to Use Then in a Sentence:

The placement of “then” in a sentence varies depending on its function. Here’s how to use “then” correctly with examples:

Placement	Example
Beginning of a sentence	Then, she entered the room and greeted everyone.
Between clauses/sentences	He finished his meal, then he paid the bill, and left the restaurant.
After an action/condition	If it’s raining, then we’ll stay indoors.
Between steps/instructions	First, mix the ingredients. Then, bake the cake for 30 minutes.
To introduce a contrasting element	He said he was busy, then he went out with his friends.

How to Use Than in a Sentence:

The placement of “than” depends on the structure of the comparative statement. Here’s how to use “than” correctly with examples:

Placement	Example
Following comparative words	She is taller than her brother.
Introducing the second element of comparison	He’d rather listen to music than talk to anyone right now.
Within preference expressions	I’d rather go for a walk than watch TV.

How to use “than” in a sentence:

Explanation	Example
Following Comparative Words:
“Than” follows the comparative word.	She is taller than her brother.
	This book is more interesting than the last one.
	He works harder than his colleagues.
	The weather is warmer than yesterday.
Introducing the Second Element of Comparison:
“Than” precedes the second part of the comparison.	He’d rather listen to music than talk to anyone right now.
	I’d prefer to stay home than go out in this weather.
	It’s better to arrive early than to be late.
	She’d rather eat at home than go to a fancy restaurant.
Within Preference Expressions:
“Than” indicates a choice or preference.	I’d rather go for a walk than watch TV.
	She prefers tea than coffee.
	He’d rather study at home than at the library.
	They’d rather play video games than do homework.
Comparing Conditions or Situations:
“Than” is used to compare different conditions.	She’s happier than she was yesterday.
	It’s easier to learn a new language than it is to master one.
	I’d rather face challenges head-on than avoid them.
	It’s safer to stay indoors than to go out in a storm.

Sentence Examples for Then vs. Than:

Here are additional sentence examples to reinforce the usage of “then” and “than”:

Examples of “Then”	Examples of “Than”
1. I finished my breakfast, then went for a walk in the park.	1. She is taller than her brother.
2. She completed her homework, then joined her friends for dinner.	2. I have more books than you.
3. First, preheat the oven. Then, mix the ingredients for the cake.	3. He’d rather go swimming than hiking.
4. He missed the bus, then had to walk to school.	4. This pizza is better than the one we had last week.
5. If it rains, then we’ll have to postpone the picnic.	5. She runs faster than her classmates.
6. She waited patiently for her turn, then stepped onto the stage to perform.	6. I’d rather stay at home than go to the crowded mall.
7. Finish your chores, then you can play video games.	7. He is more interested in science than in history.
8. He studied hard for the exam, then celebrated with his friends afterwards.	8. She prefers tea than coffee in the morning.
9. Sarah practiced the piano diligently, then performed at the recital.	9. It’s better to arrive early than to be late.
10. She turned off the lights, then settled into bed for the night.	10. He’d rather apologize than argue with his friend.
11. He finished his workout, then took a refreshing shower.	11. I prefer watching movies at home than going to the cinema.
12. First, read the instructions. Then, assemble the furniture.	12. She has more experience than her colleagues.
13. If you want to succeed, then you must work hard.	13. He’d rather travel by train than by bus.
14. She cleaned the house, then prepared dinner for her family.	14. This phone is cheaper than the one I bought last year.
15. The bell rang, then the students rushed out of the classroom.	15. He’s more skilled at basketball than at soccer.
16. She finished her project, then submitted it online.	16. I’d rather read a book than watch TV.
17. First, apply the primer. Then, paint the walls.	17. She prefers jogging in the morning than in the evening.
18. He saved up money, then bought a new car.	18. It’s better to be early than to be late.
19. The movie ended, then the audience applauded.	19. He’s happier now than he was before.
20. He finished his chores, then went to meet his friends.	20. She’d rather eat at home than dine out.

Than 

• I would rather go to the beach than stay indoors all day.
• He was taller than his friend by a few inches.
• He is more experienced than any other candidate in the job interview.
• She is more interested in science than in literature.
• I would rather go for a run than sit at my desk all day.

Then

• First, finish your chores, and then you can play video games.
• The cat napped for an hour, and then it chased after a butterfly.
• Start with the basics, and then move on to the advanced topics.
• Let’s finish the project first, and then we can celebrate.
• She completed the marathon, and then she treated herself to a delicious meal.

FAQs

Is it more than or then?

The correct phrase depends on the context. “More than” is used when comparing quantities or numbers, like “She has more apples than he does.” “Then” is used to indicate time sequence or consequence, like “First, preheat the oven, then mix the ingredients.”

Is it grammatically correct to say and then?

Yes, “and then” is grammatically correct. It’s commonly used to link sequential actions or events, indicating what happens next in a series.

Is it no later than or then?

The correct phrase is “no later than.” It is used to specify a deadline or limit, indicating the latest possible time for something to occur.

What does OK, then, mean?

“OK then” is a colloquial expression used to acknowledge or accept a previous statement or suggestion. It can indicate agreement, confirmation, or readiness to proceed.

What is an example of that?

An example of “then” is: “She finished her homework, then went to bed.” In this sentence, “then” indicates the sequence of actions, showing what happened after the completion of homework.

Does that mean the past?

No, “then” does not specifically mean the past. While it can refer to a specific moment or event in the past, it is primarily used to denote sequence, consequence, or transition in time.

Why is it then used in a sentence?

“Then” is used in a sentence to indicate the order of events, consequences, transitions, or a specific moment in time. It helps to clarify the relationship between actions or ideas.

What is then in grammar?

In grammar, “then” is primarily used as an adverb to indicate a time sequence or consequence. It is often used to link actions or events in a series, showing what happens next or what happens as a result.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the distinction between “more than” and “then,” along with understanding phrases like “no later than,” is essential for effective communication. Clarity in language ensures accurate expression of ideas and intentions. By utilizing “then” to denote sequence and consequence and “more than” for comparisons, one can navigate language intricacies with confidence. So embrace these linguistic nuances to enhance your proficiency and elevate your communication skills to new heights.