Many learners of English often get confused about the usage of than and then. From my experience in school and work, I’ve seen that this confusion can easily cause minor stress, especially when these two words sound so similar but have different meanings and grammatical purposes.
The phrase “other than” is often mistaken with “other then,” leading to common errors in both writing and speaking. This article aims to provide clear definitions and examples to quickly help people understand these differences and avoid mixing them up.
The goal is to dissect the subtle differences and create a plain language explanation that even those with complicated grammar backgrounds or official connoisseurs can appreciate.
In conversations and exercises, knowing when to use than (for comparisons) versus then (to refer to time or sequence) can lead to more efficient, correct usage.
Remember, these words don’t just resemble each other in sound but serve different roles. With the right tips, you can confidently write and speak without causing confusion or errors in your language skills.
Why Is There Confusion?
The confusion between than and then often arises because these words are similar in spelling and pronunciation, differing by just one letter. In my experience, this small difference can lead to big mistakes, especially when typing quickly or in casual conversations.
Both words are frequently used in everyday language, but their roles are quite different: than is for comparisons, while then relates to time and transitions.
Sometimes, the overlap in complex sentences can make it harder to tell them apart, especially when ideas about time and comparison appear together, such as in the phrase “back then than now.”
Because the similarity in sound and spelling is so close, many speakers get confused, and this often causes mistakes in writing or speech.
The subtle differences in roles and meaning require careful attention to avoid errors. Recognizing the differences and practicing with clear sentences can help you use these words correctly and quickly, making your language clearer and more effective.
You Might Also like: Igniter or Ignitor: Which Spelling Should You Choose?
When to Use “Than”?
Knowing when to use “than” can make your English much clearer. Than is mainly a conjunction that connects two parts of a sentence, showing how one thing differs from another.
For example, when you say someone is taller than their brother, you are making a comparison between two people. It also appears in phrases like better than, more than, less than, and other than. In this way, than helps express difference, whether in size, amount, or quality.
Sometimes, than works as a preposition, especially when followed by object pronouns like me, him, or her.
For instance, “He is more experienced than me” is widely accepted in informal contexts, even though some traditional grammar purists prefer subjective pronouns such as “I” or “he.”
This modern usage reflects how English evolves, and it’s important to understand both forms. You will often see than used in complex sentences that link two clauses or phrases, making your writing flow better and more natural.
To summarize, use than when making comparisons, whether in simple sentences or more complex structures.
It is also part of many popular expressions, such as better late than never, better you than me, and blood is thicker than water.
Understanding the function and usage of than will help you avoid mistakes and speak or write more confidently. Keep an eye on the subtle differences and the context where it is used, and soon you will master this tricky part of English.
When to Use “Then”?
Understanding when to use “then” is important because it is a versatile term that is commonly used as an adverb to indicate time or sequence. It helps show the order of events or what happened next.
For example, you might say, “I finished my homework, and then I went for a walk.” In this case, then refers to a specific moment or what happens next in the timeline. This simple use of then makes your sentences clear and easy to follow, especially in everyday conversations.
Then also serves as a conjunction that links two ideas or actions in conditional or cause-and-effect sentences.
For instance, “If you are ready, then we can leave,” or “Work hard, then you’ll succeed.” Sometimes, then acts as an adjective or noun in specific contexts, although this is less common.
You might hear about “The then president” or say, “We will wait until then.” These uses add variety and meaning depending on the situation, but the main idea is always connected to time.
In a nutshell, then relates to moments like at that time, after that, or in that case. You’ll find expressions such as since then, until then, see you then, back then, and now and then commonly used.
Phrases like then and there, every now and then, and just then help emphasize timing. Whether you’re describing past events, future plans, or cause and effect, then fits perfectly to guide your listener or reader through the timeline naturally and clearly.
You Might Also like: Pick-Up, Pick Up, or Pickup? Unlock the Mystery!
Than vs Then: Uses
| Feature | Than | Then |
| Part of Speech | Conjunction / Preposition | Adverb / Conjunction / Adjective / Noun |
| Purpose | Used for comparisons | Used to indicate time, sequence, or consequence |
| Example Usage | “She is taller than her brother.” | “I finished my work, and then I went home.” |
| Common Phrases | More than, less than, other than | Back then, since then, then and there |
| Grammar Note | Connects two elements in comparison | Links actions or shows order in time |
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes with Than and Then happen because they sound similar but have different uses. People often use then when they mean than in comparisons, like saying
“She is taller then him” instead of “taller than him.”
Others use than instead of then to show time or sequence, such as “I ate dinner than went out” instead of “then went out.”
Remember, than is for comparing, and then is about time or order. Mixing them up can confuse your meaning.
Other Than or Other Then?
The correct phrase is “other than,” which is used to mean except or different from something.
For example, “I have no plans other than studying.” The phrase “other then” is incorrect and often a result of mixing up than and then.
Remember, other than is the right choice when you want to show exception or contrast.
Other Than
This phrase means except or different from something. It is used to show exclusion or contrast.
Example:
- I don’t like any fruit other than apples.
- No one called other than John.
Other Then
This is not a correct phrase. It is often a mistake caused by confusing than and then. The correct phrase to use is other than when you mean exception.
Example of incorrect usage:
- She did nothing other then complain. (Incorrect)
Correct version: - She did nothing other than complain.
More Than or More Then?
The correct phrase is “more than,” which is used to compare amounts or quantities, showing that one thing is greater than another.
For example, “She has more than three cars.”
The phrase “more then” is incorrect and comes from confusing then (related to time) with than (used for comparisons). Always use more than when comparing to avoid mistakes.
More Than
This phrase is correct and used to compare quantities, amounts, or degrees. It shows that one thing exceeds another.
Example:
- She has more than five books.
- I love you more than words can say.
More Then
This is incorrect and happens when people confuse then (which relates to time or sequence) with than (used for comparison). Always use more than when comparing.
Example of incorrect usage:
- He earns more then his brother. (Wrong)
Correct version: - He earns more than his brother.
Rather Than or Rather Then?
The correct phrase is “rather than,” which is used to show preference or choice between two options.
For example, “I prefer tea rather than coffee.”
The phrase “rather then” is incorrect and is a common mix-up between than (used for comparisons) and then (related to time). Always use rather than to express preference or contrast.
Rather Than
This phrase is correct and used to show a preference or choice between two things. It often means “instead of.”
Examples:
- I would walk rather than take the bus.
- She chose to study rather than go out with friends.
Rather Then
This is incorrect and happens when people confuse then (related to time) with than (used for comparison or choice). Always use rather than when showing preference.
Example of incorrect usage:
- I would walk rather then take the bus. (Wrong)
Correct version: - I would walk rather than take the bus.
Etymology of “Than” and “Then”
Etymology of “Than”
The word than comes from Old English þan, which was a conjunctive particle used in comparisons. Over time, it evolved alongside then (from þonne), sharing similar spelling until around 1700.
This change can be traced through various Germanic languages like Dutch and German, where words like dan, dann, and denn reflect differences in temporal contexts and comparative uses.
Originally, than was used to introduce the second element in a comparison, such as in the phrase “A is bigger than B,” where it highlights a comparative or temporal sense.
Understanding this historical development helps clarify why than and then are often mixed up but serve distinct roles today.
Etymology of “Then”
The etymology of “then” traces back to Old English and Proto-Germanic roots like þanne, þænne, and þonne. This word has been used since the late 13th century and originally indicated time or sequence.
Over the years, “then” evolved as an adverb in English, serving as a conjunction to express cause and effect or show what happens next in order. This function can be seen in phrases like now and then, which have been common since the 1550s.
The word also took on an adjective role in the 1580s, referring to something existing or being at that time.
Interestingly, “then” shares a source with words in other Germanic languages such as Dutch dan and German dann, highlighting its broad historical influence.
Its meaning is tied to circumstance and sequence, often used at various times or in that case, showing its flexibility as a versatile term in English.
This background helps explain why “then” is so commonly used and how it differs from “than,” which primarily focuses on comparison.
Conclusion
When you focus on clearer writing, avoiding common grammatical errors like mixing up than and then becomes essential.
It’s better to use correctly the standard phrase other than, especially when indicating exceptions in any context.
Understanding the difference helps your sentences stay precise and stronger, whether you are comparing something or talking about time and order.
From my experience, following practical tips and referring to comparison tables can make this process clear and effective.
Remember, mixing up other then for other than or confusing time and comparison words can lead to mistakes. Just take a moment to think about what you want to say, and your writing will improve significantly.
A communication coach with a background in public speaking and business English. He helps professionals refine their English for workplace success.