what's the difference between then and than

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What’s the Difference Between Then and Than
Quick Scoop
If you’ve ever mixed up “then” and “than,” don’t worry — you’re in good company! These two tiny words trip up even native English speakers. They look and sound similar, but their meanings differ completely. Here’s a quick, no-stress guide to help you remember the difference — once and for all.
✏️ The Core Difference
Word| Type| Meaning| Example| Quick Tip
---|---|---|---|---
Then| Adverb| Refers to time — what happens next or afterwards.|
“We went to the store, then had lunch.”| Think “time” when using
then.
Than| Conjunction/Preposition| Used for comparison between two
things.| “She’s taller than her brother.”| Think “comparison” when using
than.
Both words look alike, but swapping them changes a sentence’s meaning entirely.
🕒 Using “Then”: Talking About Time
“Then” often shows sequence, consequence, or timing. It’s what comes next in a story or event. Examples:
- “We’ll go to dinner, then to the movies.”
- “If it rains, then we’ll stay in.”
- “Back then, people didn’t have smartphones.”
Forum users often say: “If you can replace the word with ‘next,’ it’s probably ‘then.’”
Pro Tip: “Then” = time or consequence.
⚖️ Using “Than”: Making Comparisons
“Than” pops up when you’re comparing two things — people, objects, or ideas. Examples:
- “My coffee is stronger than yours.”
- “She’s more patient than me.”
- “It’s better to walk than to run in this heat.”
Pro Tip: “Than” = comparison.
🧠 Mini Memory Tricks
Here are some easy, memorable ways to keep them straight:
- “Then” has an ‘e’ for time events.
- “Than” has an ‘a’ for comparing advantages.
- Ask: Is it about time? Use ‘then.’ Comparing? Use ‘than.’
💬 Forum Buzz and Everyday Confusion
On grammar forums and social media, this tiny mix-up sparks endless debate threads — especially when people see it on signs, ads, or captions.
“I’d rather eat pizza then salad.”
Grammar fans jump in fast — because “then” changes the meaning to timing instead of preference.
So, while it’s a small mistake, it can make a big difference — especially in professional writing, exams, or posts that go viral.
🧩 Quick Recap
- Then → Time or sequence (“We ate, then left”).
- Than → Comparison (“Taller than me”).
- Tip: If “next” fits, use then. If “compared to” fits, use than.
TL;DR:
“Then” tells you when something happens.
“Than” shows how two things compare. Information gathered from public
forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here. Would you like
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