A short explanation on the differences between than and then.

(If you already know it, test your knowledge with our lesson )

Confusing words that sound alike is not uncommon in English. A good example for that would be the misuse of the word pair then/than. They sound similar, they differ only by one letter, but they are used completely different. Let us have a look:

Then

The word "then" indicates a time (in the past, present or future), a time marker or a sequence of events.

Examples:

• First brush your teeth then go to bed. (sequence of instructions)
• Back then I did not have the wisdom.
• Let us meet there and then. (time)
• He listened then he spoke. (sequence of events)

Tip: If you replace the word "then" with the word "next" the sentence should still make sense.

Than

"Than" is used in comparative sentences or statements.
When you are doing a comparison (could be size, price, number, etc.) you should use the word "than".

Examples:

• Five is bigger than three.
• I am taller than you.
• He is earning less than his brother.

Tip: If you replace the word "than" with the phrase "compared to" the sentence should still make sense.

Practice the rules you have just learned with our lesson