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Then vs Than

What is the difference between then and than?

Use then for time or order (first this, then that). Use than to compare (bigger than, better than).

Then vs Than at a glance

  • then

    /ðen/ · adverb

    At that time, or next, after something else.

    • First we had lunch, and then we went for a walk.
    • I lived in Paris back then.
    “then” in the vocabulary guide
  • than

    /ðæn/ · conjunction / preposition

    Used to compare two things or people.

    • My sister is taller than me.
    • Taking the train is faster than driving.
    “than” in the vocabulary guide

How to remember it

thEn goes with timE and nExt. thAn goes with compArison. If there's a comparative (-er, more, less, rather), you need than.

Good to know

In normal speech, than is usually weak: /ðən/. That makes it sound different from then (/ðen/), even though the spelling differs by only one letter.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: This phone is cheaper then the other one.

    Right: This phone is cheaper than the other one.

  • Wrong: I'd rather walk then take a taxi.

    Right: I'd rather walk than take a taxi.

  • Wrong: Finish your homework, than you can watch TV.

    Right: Finish your homework, then you can watch TV.

Quick quiz

  1. 1.It's colder today yesterday.

  2. 2.Mix the flour and eggs, add the milk.

  3. 3.I'd rather stay home go to that party.

Pick the right word for each gap.

Often confused too