"Then" and "Than": What's the Difference?
They sound similar, and there's only one letter that changes their spelling. However, "then" and "than" are different in major ways that all English speakers should know.
This article will explain what separates these important words, and provide examples to help you understand and use them in your own conversations. It's not too difficult once you look at them carefully. Let's begin!
Then (adverb)
Events in a sequence
The most common usage of "then" is to express that something has happened or will happen after something else has already taken place.
I’ll go to the gym, then I'll mail my package at the post office.
In this example, the speaker will first go to the gym. After that is finished, they will visit the post office. Here are more examples:
Finish your homework, then you can play video games.
I cut the vegetables, then I boiled the noodles.
A point in time
"Then" is also used to refer to a particular time, either in the past or the future.
Gas prices were much cheaper then.
10 o’clock is too late to meet; we’ll be tired from work by then.
That was then, this is now.
Therefore
“Then” is frequently used as a casual way to say “therefore” or “in that case.”
Staff
She’s out of the office right now.
Caller
OK, then I’ll call back later.
Staff
These are on sale today.
Shelly
Really? I’ll take three, then.
A
That’s too late for us.
B
Then come earlier.
At the end of a statement
“Then” often closes casual statements, usually after a decision has been made about something.
See you tonight at 8, then.
It is also used in this way to show frustration or annoyance at someone else's action or decision.
Fine, do it your way, then.
Suggestions
The set phrase "Well then ~" is common as an informal way of making a suggestion.
Well then, how about we put on some music?
Well then, shall we go?
Than (conjunction, preposition)
Let’s move on to explaining “than.”
Please pay attention to the difference in both spelling and pronunciation. In a conversation moving at normal speed, it may be difficult to hear the difference. However, even if they sound the same, you should be able to understand which word is being used based on the context.
Making comparisons
”Than” is basically used when comparing things or situations.
The new trains are faster than the older ones.
I like Chicago-style pizza more than the kind from New York.
I feel more confident than I did in the past.
You came earlier than I expected.
In the last example, someone's arrival is compared to when the speaker thought they would arrive.
Expressing contrast
This usage is similar in meaning to “instead of.”
In business, it’s often better to move quickly than to wait for your competitors to act first.
At the beginning of a sentence, it is used together with "rather."
Rather than sit and wait for help, we decided to find a solution ourselves.
Exceptions
Used with “other,” it means "except for" and expresses that something or someone is not included.
Other than Millie, everyone here is a vegetarian.
I didn’t pack anything other than my laptop.
Here, the laptop is not included in "anything."
Common expressions with “then” and “there”
Finally, let's look at some expressions that use these two words.
Then and there
Meaning: at that specific moment
I knew then and there that I wanted to become a doctor.
Better late than never
Meaning: something that happens late is better than something that never happens
My delivery was delayed a whole week, but better late than never, I guess.
Better safe than sorry
Meaning: preparation is important in order to avoid trouble or inconvenience in the future
I probably won't need this jacket, but I’ll bring it anyway. Better safe than sorry, right?
Wrap-up
As you can see, only a single letter is enough to change the pronunciation, meaning and usage of these two words.
If you aren’t completely comfortable with them yet, pay attention each time you see or hear them; how are they used, what is the situation, and what meaning do they express?
With enough practice, you will eventually be able to use both naturally and without thinking about them — just like native speakers do.
