{"id":7864,"date":"2024-07-23T06:04:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-23T06:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/?p=7864"},"modified":"2024-07-15T10:19:42","modified_gmt":"2024-07-15T10:19:42","slug":"then-and-than-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"\"Then\" and \"Than\": What's the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#Then_adverb\" >Then (adverb)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#Events_in_a_sequence\" >Events in a sequence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#A_point_in_time\" >A point in time<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#Therefore\" >Therefore<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#At_the_end_of_a_statement\" >At the end of a statement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#Suggestions\" >Suggestions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#Than_conjunction_preposition\" >Than (conjunction, preposition)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#Making_comparisons\" >Making comparisons<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#Expressing_contrast\" >Expressing contrast<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#Exceptions\" >Exceptions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#Common_expressions_with_%E2%80%9Cthen%E2%80%9D_and_%E2%80%9Cthere%E2%80%9D\" >Common expressions with &#8220;then&#8221; and &#8220;there&#8221;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#Then_and_there\" >Then and there<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#Better_late_than_never\" >Better late than never<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#Better_safe_than_sorry\" >Better safe than sorry<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/engoo.com\/blog\/language-tips\/then-and-than-whats-the-difference\/#Wrap-up\" >Wrap-up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Then_adverb\"><\/span><strong>Then (adverb)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Events_in_a_sequence\"><\/span><strong>Events in a sequence<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055522\/pexels-liza-summer-63475431-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A young woman carrying boxes to be mailed at the post office\" class=\"wp-image-7866\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055522\/pexels-liza-summer-63475431-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055522\/pexels-liza-summer-63475431-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055522\/pexels-liza-summer-63475431-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055522\/pexels-liza-summer-63475431-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055522\/pexels-liza-summer-63475431-840x560.jpg 840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common usage of \"then\" is to express that something has happened or will happen <strong>after something else<\/strong> has already taken place.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">I\u2019ll go to the gym, then I'll mail my package at the post office.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<p>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:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">Finish your homework, then you can play video games.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">I cut the vegetables, then I boiled the noodles.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_point_in_time\"><\/span><strong>A point in time<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\"Then\" is also used to refer to <strong>a particular time<\/strong>, either in the past or the future.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">Gas prices were much cheaper then.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">10 o\u2019clock is too late to meet; we\u2019ll be tired from work by then.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">That was then, this is now.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Therefore\"><\/span><strong>Therefore<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055633\/pexels-marcus-aurelius-40642271-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A businesswoman talking on the phone while sitting at her computer\" class=\"wp-image-7867\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055633\/pexels-marcus-aurelius-40642271-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055633\/pexels-marcus-aurelius-40642271-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055633\/pexels-marcus-aurelius-40642271-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055633\/pexels-marcus-aurelius-40642271-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055633\/pexels-marcus-aurelius-40642271-840x560.jpg 840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThen\u201d is frequently used as a casual way to say <strong>\u201ctherefore\u201d<\/strong> or <strong>\u201cin that case<\/strong>.<strong>\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141850\/avatar_37.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">Staff<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">She\u2019s out of the office right now.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141854\/avatar_38.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">Caller<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">OK, then I\u2019ll call back later.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141536\/avatar_3.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">Staff<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">These are on sale today.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141737\/avatar_28.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">Shelly<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">Really? I\u2019ll take three, then.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-left\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141847\/avatar_36.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">A<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">That\u2019s too late for us.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-chat-bubble pos-right\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-user\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/02\/22141551\/avatar_7.png\" class=\"unified-chat-bubble-avatar\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-name\">B<\/div><\/div><div class=\"unified-chat-bubble-content\"><div class=\"block-align-none\">Then come earlier.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"At_the_end_of_a_statement\"><\/span><strong>At the end of a statement<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThen\u201d often closes casual statements, usually <strong>after a decision has been<\/strong> made about something.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">See you tonight at 8, then.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It is also used in this way to <strong>show frustration or annoyance<\/strong> at someone else's action or decision.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">Fine, do it your way, then.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suggestions\"><\/span><strong>Suggestions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The set phrase \"Well then ~\" is common as an informal way of <strong>making a suggestion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">Well then, how about we put on some music?<\/strong><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">Well then, shall we go?<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Than_conjunction_preposition\"><\/span><strong>Than (conjunction, preposition)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s move on to explaining \u201cthan.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Making_comparisons\"><\/span><strong>Making comparisons<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055746\/pexels-life-of-pix-214101-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A woman standing on a platform as a train approaches the station\" class=\"wp-image-7868\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055746\/pexels-life-of-pix-214101-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055746\/pexels-life-of-pix-214101-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055746\/pexels-life-of-pix-214101-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055746\/pexels-life-of-pix-214101-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055746\/pexels-life-of-pix-214101-840x560.jpg 840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201dThan\u201d is basically used when <strong>comparing things or situations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">The new trains are faster than the older ones.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">I like Chicago-style pizza more than the kind from New York.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">I feel more confident than I did in the past.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">You came earlier than I expected.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In the last example, someone's arrival is compared to when the speaker <em>thought<\/em> they would arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expressing_contrast\"><\/span><strong>Expressing contrast<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This usage is similar in meaning to <strong>\u201cinstead of<\/strong>.<strong>\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">In business, it\u2019s often better to move quickly than to wait for your competitors to act first.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<p>At the beginning of a sentence, it is used together with \"rather.\"<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">Rather than sit and wait for help, we decided to find a solution ourselves.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exceptions\"><\/span><strong>Exceptions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Used with \u201cother,\u201d it means <strong>\"except for\"<\/strong> and expresses that something or someone is <strong>not included<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">Other than Millie, everyone here is a vegetarian.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">I didn\u2019t pack anything other than my laptop.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Here, the laptop is not included in \"anything.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_expressions_with_%E2%80%9Cthen%E2%80%9D_and_%E2%80%9Cthere%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><strong>Common expressions<\/strong> <strong>with &#8220;then&#8221; and &#8220;there&#8221;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055911\/pexels-timur-weber-91861831-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A woman sitting on her bed next to an open suitcase while deciding what to pack for a trip\" class=\"wp-image-7869\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055911\/pexels-timur-weber-91861831-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055911\/pexels-timur-weber-91861831-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055911\/pexels-timur-weber-91861831-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055911\/pexels-timur-weber-91861831-420x280.jpg 420w, https:\/\/assets.blog.engoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/01\/19055911\/pexels-timur-weber-91861831-840x560.jpg 840w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, let's look at some expressions that use these two words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Then_and_there\"><\/span><strong>Then and th<\/strong>ere<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Meaning: at that specific moment<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">I knew then and there that I wanted to become a doctor.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Better_late_than_never\"><\/span><strong>Better late than never<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Meaning: something that happens late is better than something that never happens<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">My delivery was delayed a whole week, but better late than never, I guess.<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Better_safe_than_sorry\"><\/span><strong>Better safe than sorry<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Meaning: preparation is important in order to avoid trouble or inconvenience in the future<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"unified-block unified-sentences block-align-none\"><strong class=\"unified-sentences-title\">I probably won't need this jacket, but I\u2019ll bring it anyway. Better safe than sorry, right?<\/strong><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wrap-up\"><\/span><strong>Wrap-up<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, only a single letter is enough to change the pronunciation, meaning and usage of these two words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you aren\u2019t 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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With enough practice, you will eventually be able to use both naturally and without thinking about them \u2014 just like native speakers do.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":432,"featured_media":7865,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"unified_meta_tagline_field":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[42,53],"class_list":["post-7864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-language-tips","tag-grammar","tag-whats-the-difference"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>&quot;Then&quot; and &quot;Than&quot;: What&#039;s the Difference? | Engoo Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What&#039;s the difference between &quot;then&quot; and &quot;than&quot;? 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