Then vs. Than (When to Use Each, Differences, Examples)

Here’s when to use then vs. than. Many people have the wrong idea that ‘then’ and ‘than’ can be used interchangeably. But that is wrong because both these words are very different. They have different meanings. A detailed study of ‘then vs. than’ today will clear any confusion that you might have too.

Then vs. Than: Different parts of speech

‘Then’ is mostly used as an adverb to refer to a certain time in the past or future. It helps to explain the chronological order of events. ‘Then’ is a linking adverb and an adverb of time. However, it can also be used as a noun or adjective.

‘Than’ is mostly used as a subordinating conjunction but it can be used as a preposition too. It is commonly used while making comparisons. In either part of speech, ‘than’ helps to introduce an exception or the second element in a comparison.

Then vs. Than: Word functions

A non-native English speaker or learner can get confused between two similar-sounding words. Let’s have a look at how and when each word is used.

What is a function word?

A function word is a word that has little lexical meaning or has an ambiguous meaning. It is used to express grammatical relationships among other words within a sentence. Typically to specify the attitude or mood of the speaker.

Both ‘then’ and ‘than’ are function words (as well as a conjunction, preposition, and noun).

Understanding “then”

Then – shows the time. It can be used to refer to a time in the past or future.

Examples: 

• You were leaner then. (Indicating the past)
• Let the rain stop, then I will go for my morning jog. (Indicating the future)

It is also used for stating the condition for doing something, where it stands for ‘in that case’.

Understanding “than”

Than – introduces a comparison. 

Examples:

• If you don’t like it, than you can leave.
• He is faster than you. (Indicating a comparison)

Now let’s look at some more explanations that will help us correctly choose ‘then’ and ‘than’ in sentences.

When to use ‘then’?

As we have already seen, then can show or mean three things – next, condition, or ‘at that time’. You can use ‘then’ to show the order of things happening. For instance, “I will take pick up the groceries and then start cooking”.

You can use ‘then’ to indicate a previous time. For instance, “Back then, we did not have smartphones”. Here, then is telling about a previous time when there were no smartphones.

‘Then’ also can show the order or chronology. For instance, “ First do your math homework and then complete your science project.”

Use of ‘then’ in sentences 

These examples tell us how ‘then’ can be used in sentences:

• I lived in France then. 
• Let’s see what happens until then. 
• The then-President was the Chief Guest. 

When to use ‘than’?

You can use ‘than’ when you want to point out a difference. For instance, “You are stronger than her.”

It can be used for comparisons. For instance, “I love country music more than I love pop songs.” 

Use of ‘than’ in sentences

These examples tell us how ‘than’ can be used in sentences and to indicate what:

• He is older than I am. 
• This swimming pool is bigger than that pond.
• The test was easier than I had expected.

Then vs. than: How to remember the difference

These two words are homonyms, they look and sound similar. That makes people confused about when or how to use them correctly. But there is a simple trick that can help you remember and use them appropriately.

Remember to check the third alphabet of ‘then’ and ‘than’. ‘Then’ is mostly used as an adverb and is used in reference to time. The third alphabet in the word is ‘e’.

Both the words ‘then’ and ‘time’ have the alphabet ‘e’ in them. So you have to use ‘then’ when talking in reference to time.

Similarly, the third alphabet of ‘than’ is ‘a’. ‘Then’ is used for comparisons and is used as a comparative adjective or adverb.

Both the words ‘than’ and ‘comparison; have the alphabet ‘a’ in them. So you should use ‘than’ while drawing comparisons.

Than vs. then exercises

Here are some simple exercises to remember than vs. then:

1. They didn’t want to go to the store. It was less ____ normal.
2. We didn’t have any food, ____ we went to the store.
3. Rather ____ go to the movies, we decided to go to dinner.

Answers:

1. Than
2. Then
3. Than