Then or Than: Difference, Examples & Common Mistakes

Then = time, sequence, or result
Than = comparison

Confused between then or than? You’re not alone.

Both words sound similar but have very different uses. This guide explains everything clearly, gives examples, and answers all your common questions like “better then or better than” and “more then or more than.”

---

Then vs Than | Core Difference

Word	Use	Example
Then	Time, sequence, result	Finish homework, then play.
Than	Comparison	She is taller than her brother.

💡 Memory Trick:

• Then = When (time or sequence)
• Than = Comparison (both have “a”)

---

1. When to Use Then

Then refers to time, order, or what happens next.

Examples:

• I was living in Karachi then.
• Eat dinner, then watch TV.
• If you agree, then let’s begin.

Casual vs Professional Use:

• Casual: I went shopping, then met my friend.
• Professional: Complete the report, then submit it to the manager.

✅ If you can replace it with “next” or “at that time”, use then.

---

2. When to Use Than

Than is used only for comparisons.

Examples:

• This phone is cheaper than that one.
• He runs faster than me.
• Better late than never.

Common Phrases That Always Use THAN:

• rather than
• more than / less than
• sooner than / later than
• other than

✅ If you are comparing two things, than is correct.

---

3. People Common Question

3.1 Is it better then or better than?

✔ Correct: better than

This strategy is better than the previous one.

3.2 Is it rather than or rather then?

✔ Correct: rather than

I’d walk rather than wait.

3.3 Is it more then or more than?

✔ Correct: more than

It costs more than $50.

3.4 Is it less then or less than?

✔ Correct: less than

The price is less than $10.

3.5 Can then and than ever be interchangeable?

❌ No. They belong to different grammar categories.

---

4. Common Mistakes

❌ Wrong	✅ Correct
She is smarter then me.	She is smarter than me.
Finish homework than go out.	Finish homework then go out.
I’d rather wait then walk.	I’d rather wait than walk.

Pro Tip: If the sentence is comparing, it’s than. Otherwise, it’s then.

---

5. Quick Decision Rule

Ask yourself:
Am I comparing two things?

• Yes → THAN
• No → THEN

This one simple question stops most mistakes instantly 😄

---

6. Mini Quiz (Practice)

Fill in the blanks:

1. I’d rather eat pizza ___ pasta.
2. Finish the assignment ___ submit it.
3. She is taller ___ her sister.
4. I went to the store, ___ forgot to buy milk.
5. This method is faster ___ the last one.

Answers: 1. than 2. then 3. than 4. then 5. than

---

7. Final Takeaway / Checklist

• Then = time, sequence, result
• Than = comparison
• Check: Can I replace it with “next” or “at that time”? → Then
• Check: Am I comparing two things? → Than
• Use common phrases: rather than, more than, less than, other than
• Always proofread for wrong → correct swaps

Mastering then or than improves your writing, speaking, and professional emails instantly.