“Than” and “then” are often confused, but they serve completely different purposes. Than is used for comparisons, while then is used to describe time, order, or results. If you mix them up, your sentence can quickly sound unnatural or even confusing.
Than Vs Then: 10 Example Sentences
- She is smarter than her brother. (comparison)
- This car is faster than the old one.
- I would rather stay home than go out.
- He earns more than I do.
- The weather is better today than yesterday.
- Finish your homework, then you can play. (sequence)
- We had lunch, then we went for a walk.
- Back then, things were different.
- If it rains, then we will cancel the trip.
- First mix the ingredients, then bake for 20 minutes.
What Is The Difference Between “Than” And “Then”?
Than = Comparison
Than is used when comparing two things. It often appears with comparative adjectives like better, faster, bigger, more.
- She is taller than me
- This is more expensive than that
Then = Time Or Result
Then is about time, order, or consequence. It tells what happens next.
- We finished dinner, then left
- If you study, then you will pass
Common Mistakes (And Fixes)
❌ She is taller then me.
Wrong because this is a comparison.
✅ She is taller than me.
❌ We ate dinner than watched TV.
Wrong because this describes a sequence.
✅ We ate dinner then watched TV.
Quick Difference Table
| Word | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Than | Comparison | He is taller than me |
| Then | Time / Sequence | We ate, then we left |
Simple Trick To Remember
Than → Compare (both have the letter “A”)
Then → Time (both relate to sequence)
Practice Sentences
- She is younger ___ her sister
- We finished work, ___ went home
- This book is more interesting ___ that one
- Back ___, we didn’t have smartphones
(Answers: than, then, than, then)
