Than vs Then: Mastering The Difference

Knowing when to use than vs then can be tricky! These two similar words trip up many English students, whether learning English as a second language or just leveling up writing skills for work or school.

In this guide, we’ll cover the difference between than and then and how to figure out which one is right for different situations.

The good news is, though they look – and even sound! – a bit alike, these two words aren’t used in the same ways. So, while choosing than or then can be a struggle when you don’t know the difference, once you learn which is which, it’s easy to use them correctly!

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The short answer: than vs then

Than is almost always a conjunction and is typically used for comparison.

Then can be an adverb, adjective, or noun, and is typically used to talk about time or consequence.

For example:

This year’s prize-winning pumpkin is even bigger than last year’s.

The time is later than I thought.

I went to the store, then I went home again.

If you want to go to the zoo, then you have to buy the tickets.

In short:

Th

a

Th

e

Of course, there are exceptions and details to get into, but if you need a quick answer, that’ll solve most conundrums when it comes to than vs then!

The long answer: than vs then

Ready to get into the weeds of when to use than or then? 

Read on to learn:

• Than and then definitions

• Tips for figuring out when to use each

• How they’re used in grammar

• A chart to help you review than vs then

Here’s everything you need to know.

1. Then: definition 

Then is a word with many possible definitions.

As an adverb, it can be used to mean:

• After that

• Soon after that

• Next in order of time

• At that time

• As a consequence

• In that case

• Accordingly, as an inference or by way of summing up

For example:

She went into the kitchen, then the garden.

The model walked down the runway, and then quickly turned.

Life was harder back then.

If you want to make it to the show on time, then you’ll have to leave soon.

If he’s sure, then I won’t try to stop him.

You’ve figured it out, then.

It is clear, then, who the real killer was.

As a noun, then refers to a specific time being referenced.

For example:

I haven’t been to Prague since then.

Then can also be used as an adjective to describe a past status – it implies that the person (or, rarely, thing) being described fit the description at the time in question, but may no longer. This is less common, but still grammatically correct.

For example:

The company’s then president gave a stirring speech.

2. Than: definition 

Than is a function word used for comparisons to indicate an inequality or difference in quality, kind, manner, identity, etc. It is typically considered to be a conjunction and, in certain circumstances, a preposition.

For example:

They’re younger than we are.

The bread in Paris is better than it is back home.

I found this test easier than the last one.

You’re older than me.

Worth noting: If you find yourself feeling a little confused about when than is a conjunction or preposition, you’re not alone! Some grammarians argue that than is actually a unique word and not technically a conjunction or any other part of speech, since it follows its own rules. That said, just about everyone agrees that thinking about it too much will only give you a headache.

3. Idioms using than

Than is a fairly simple word to learn, since it really only has one purpose: to be used in comparisons. However, there are a few common idioms that use it slightly differently. While some comparison is still implied, these phrases are a little more abstract.

Other than

Meaning: 

• Except for

• Besides

• Apart from

Part of speech: Prepositional phrase

For example:

Other than that, they have nothing to report.

I want no one other than you.

Can you get me something other than candy?

Rather than

Meaning:

• Instead of

Part of speech: Prepositional phrase

For example:

The kids want cookies rather than carrots.

Rather than going out to eat, I think we should celebrate our anniversary at home.

I would eat my hat rather than apologize to him.

More than…

There are several common phrases that use “more than” to modify an adjective. It’s used something like “very” or “exceedingly,” suggesting that the emotion goes above and beyond the standard definition of the word being modified. The same is true of “less than,” where it means something like “not” or “definitely not.”

Part of speech: Adjective

For example:

Our butler would be more than willing to assist you.

I’m more than happy to help with the dishes.

The teacher was less than pleased.

4. Using then vs than

So, with all of that in mind, how do you know when to use than or then?

If you’re not sure, ask yourself:

• Is this a comparison? If yes, use than.

• Is this about time, sequence, or consequence? If yes, use then.

Use these exercises to practice:

1. They went to the mall, ______ the movie theater.

2. She liked the book more ______ she expected.

3. Your cousin is taller ______ you.

4. First you were a baby,  _____ you got older.

5. We’ve seen you since ______, right?

6. They sold their car, ____ bought a new one that was bigger ____ the old one.

Answer key:
1. then

2. than

3. than

4. then

5. then

6. then, than

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When to use than vs then: grammar rules

Another way to make sure you’re using the right word when choosing between than and then is to look at the parts of speech.

Then can be an adverb, noun, or rarely, an adjective.

Than is a conjunction or preposition used to compare. It can also be used in prepositional phrases like “other than” or “rather than” or as part of an adjectival phrase when paired with a comparison word (typically “more” or “less”) and an adjective.

Do you remember your parts of speech? 

If so, you can ask yourself: What role is this word playing in the sentence? 

Here’s a chart to make it easier.

Chart: Than vs then examples 

Review are the most common ways than and then are used and how they fit grammatically into different sentences.

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