Then vs Than
Then and Than are two commonly confused English words. They look similar and sound almost the same, but their meanings and grammar usage are completely different. Using the wrong one can change the meaning of a sentence or make it grammatically incorrect.
This page gives a full explanation of Then vs Than with definitions, rules, examples, mistakes, memory tricks, and practice questions.
| Word | Part of Speech | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Then | Adverb | Time / Sequence | Finish your work, then rest. |
| Than | Conjunction / Preposition | Comparison | He is taller than me. |
What is Then?
“Then” is mainly used to talk about time, order, result, or condition. It tells us what happens next, what happened at that time, or what will happen as a result. You can think of then = at that time / after that / in that case.
Uses of THEN
- To show sequence or order
- To show time
- To show result or condition
Examples of THEN
1. I finished my homework, then I went to sleep.
→ First homework, after that sleep (order).
2. Back then, I was afraid of speaking English.
→ “Then” refers to that past time.
3. If you study daily, then you will improve your English.
→ Shows result of a condition.
4. We will eat dinner, then watch a movie.
→ One action happens after another.
5. I didn’t understand grammar then, but now I do.
→ “Then” means at that time in the past.
6. Finish your work first; only then can you play.
→ Emphasizes order and condition.
What is Than?
“Than” is used only for comparison. It compares two things, people, actions, or qualities. You can think of than = compared to.
⚠️ Important:
THAN is NEVER about time. It is ONLY about comparison.
Uses of THAN
- To compare size, quality, amount, speed, age, etc.
- Often used with comparative words (bigger, better, faster, more)
Examples of THAN
1. English is easier than I thought.
→ Comparison between expectation and reality.
2. He is taller than his brother.
→ Comparing two people.
3. Reading books is better than watching reels all day.
→ Comparing two activities.
4. Today is hotter than yesterday.
→ Comparing two days.
5. She speaks English more confidently than before.
→ Comparison with past performance.
6. Health is more important than money.
→ Comparing importance.