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Article Summary
- The difference between ‘then’ vs ‘than’ lies in usage: ‘then’ relates to time, sequence, or result, helping show order of events, while ‘than’ is strictly used for comparisons between people, things, or ideas.
- In English grammar, “then” functions mainly as an adverb to answer when or what happens next, whereas “than” acts as a conjunction or preposition, commonly paired with comparative words like more, less, better, and taller.
- Clear examples and practice sentences show that using then incorrectly in comparisons or than in time-based sentences can change meaning, making this distinction especially important for exams, professional writing, and everyday communication.
Both ‘then’ and ‘than’ have different meanings and uses in different senses. You might get confused between the two words and stop mid-conversation. These two words can look almost identical and sound almost the same, but they have completely different meanings and uses. Using the wrong one can change the meaning of a sentence and confuse readers, especially in exams, professional writing, or everyday communication. This article will explain the differences between ‘then’ and ‘than’ in a simple way with clear examples, as well as a practice worksheet.
This Blog Includes:
What is the Meaning of “then” in Grammar?
‘Then’ in English grammar is mainly used to talk about time, sequence, or result. It indicates when something takes place or what follows it. As per the grammar rules, it is often used to link events in a logical order.
When to Use “Then”
When the talk is about a particular point in time or what happens later, ‘then’ is the correct choice. It flows well into other temporal clauses and can indicate the order of events.
For instance, “We were living in Delhi at the time.” It also directly answers questions about time, such as “When will we decide?” “We’ll decide then.” You’ll notice it cropping up in cause-and-effect statements as well: “If the alarm rings, then exit the building immediately.” So, basically, it is used for the following:
- To indicate time or sequence
- To indicate the result or consequence
- To refer to the past
Examples of “Then”
- Finish your work, then you can relax.
- We had dinner and then watched a movie.
- Back then, things were very different.
Also Read: Linkers in English Grammar: Role, Types & Examples You Must Look At!
What is the Meaning of “than” in Grammar?
‘Than’ is for comparisons. ‘Than’ is used to compare two or more people, things, or ideas. ‘Than’ is often used with comparative adjectives and adverbs.
Uses of “Than”
When you are comparing two things, the word “than” is the correct choice. You will see it after words such as “more” or “less”, or after other similar phrases that compare things. It also appears in the form “no sooner… than”, which indicates something happening immediately after another event.
For instance: “No sooner had the train arrived than the passengers rushed aboard.” So, basically, it is used for the following:
- To compare quality, quantity, or degree
- To express a preference or difference
Example of “Than”
- This book is more interesting than the last one.
- I would rather study than waste time.
- She is better than her sister at dancing.
Then Vs Than: What are the Main Differences Between the Two?
Check the table below to understand the main differences between Then and Than:
| Aspects | Then | Than |
| Meaning | Refers to time, sequence, or result | Used to make comparisons |
| Part of Speech | Adverb (mainly) | Conjunction / Preposition |
| Main Usage | Shows when something happens or what happens next | Shows the difference between two things |
| Answers the Question | When? What next? | Which is more or less? |
| Used With | Actions, events, conditions | Comparative words (better, more, less, taller) |
| Example | Finish your exam, then leave the hall | She is taller than her sister |
Practice Sentences for ‘Than’ and ‘Then’: Fill in the Blanks
- This chapter is easier ___ the previous one.
- Finish your assignment, ___ you can watch a movie.
- Her performance was better ___ last time.
- We discussed the plan and ___ took action.
- Learning consistently is more effective ___ studying once a week.
- He saved the document and ___ shut down the computer.
- This route is longer ___ the usual one.
- Read the instructions carefully, ___ start the exam.
- Health is more important ___ wealth.
- Back ___, online classes were not common.
- She arrived earlier ___ expected.
- Think about the consequences and ___ decide.
- Practical knowledge matters more ___ theory alone.
- The weather today is colder ___ yesterday.
- Finish breakfast first, ___ leave for school.
- This option is cheaper ___ the other one.
- He paused for a second and ___ replied.
- Discipline helps more ___ motivation in the long run.
- Complete the registration, ___ download the admit card.
- Her explanation was clearer ___ his.
Answers
- than
- then
- than
- then
- than
- then
- than
- then
- than
- then
- than
- then
- than
- than
- then
- than
- then
- than
- then
- than
So, the difference between ‘then’ and ‘than’ is important to know, as the meaning and usage are completely different. The confusion, in fact, is rather common, but the difference is quite clear. ‘Then’ corresponds to time, order, or results, whereas ‘than’ is reserved just for comparisons. Once you can tell whether your sentence is describing the time (or order, or result) of something or the difference between two things, you can use the right word confidently. And if you practise a little bit all the time, you’ll never make that mistake again.
Also Read: 15 Best ‘So That’ Conjunction Examples in Sentences
FAQs
‘Than’ is used for comparison. ‘Then’ is used for time or order. Here is an example for you.
Example: “She is smarter than her brother.”
Example: “Finish your work, then there will be a break.”
It completely depends on what you want to convey to the listener. For example, you can use ‘than’ when comparing to something else in terms of quantity, degree, or amount. On the other hand, ‘then’ is used to tell what happened next.
From the two, you can use more important than because the main intent of the sentence is a comparison. And more important then is never correct in standard English.
‘Then’ is used for time, order, or result. On the other hand, ‘than’ is only used for the comparison of two things. Knowing this will save you from making one of the commonest grammar errors.
Related Reads on Learn English
This was all about the differences between then and than. Hope you understood it and know how to use them correctly now. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs.
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