Difference Between Then and Than: A Quick and Simple Guide
As a writer or a regular user of English language, it is crucial to know the subtle differences between words that are commonly confused. Two such words that often trip people up are then and than. Although they share similar spellings, these two words are entirely different from each other. In this article, we will look at their meanings, uses, and how to distinguish between them.
The Meaning of Then
Then is an adverb that refers to a specific time or past event. It is used to indicate a sequence of events, often indicating that something happened after something else. For example, “I got dressed and then went to work.” In this sentence, the word “then” is used to tell us what happened first and what happened later.
The Meaning of Than
On the other hand, than is a conjunction or a preposition that is used to make comparisons. It is used to show the difference between two or more things. For instance, “I would rather eat pizza than a hamburger.” In this sentence, the word “than” is used to compare the two food items and to imply a preference for one over the other.
The Basic Difference Between Then and Than
One of the easiest ways to recognize the difference between then and than is to look at their spellings. Another simple trick is to remember that then is used to indicate time whereas than is used to make a comparison.
For instance:
– I was sick then.
– I prefer apples than oranges.
Common Mistakes with Then and Than
The mix-up of these two words is very common, and many writers get confused with their usage. Some of the common mistakes include:
– Using “then” instead of “than” while making a comparison. e.g. “I am taller then my brother.”
– Using “than” instead of “then” in indicating an order of events. e.g. “I went to the store and than to the bank.”
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common mistakes is easy if you keep in mind the fundamental differences between then and than. Remember that then is used for indicating time, while than is used in comparisons. Also, keep an eye on your spelling – a tiny typo could change the entire meaning of your sentence. By mastering the proper usage of these two words, you can improve your writing and avoid any possible confusion.
Table difference between then and than
| Word | Definition |
| —- | —- |
| Then | Refers to a particular time in the past or future. It can also be used to describe a consequence or a subsequent action. |
| Than | Used to make comparisons between two things or people. |
For example:
– “I went to the store, then I came back home.” (Refers to a specific time in the past)
– “If you finish your homework, then you can watch TV.” (Describes a consequence or subsequent action)
– “He is taller than his brother.” (Comparison between two people)
– “I prefer coffee than tea.” (Incorrect usage, should be “I prefer coffee to tea”)