Then vs than
Then is about time, meaning at that time or next. Than is for comparing two things, after words like more, less, or bigger.
Then rhymes with when, a time word, and both have an e. Than has an a, like comparison.
then adverb
At that time, or next, after something else happens.
- Prices were much lower then.
- We had dinner and then watched a film.
than conjunction
Used after more, less, or an -er word to compare two things.
- He worked harder than anyone expected.
- This box is heavier than that one.
Watch out
- When then starts the main part of a sentence after an if part, it means in that case. Nothing is being compared there, so than is wrong.If nobody objects, then the motion is carried.
- Then can come before a job title to mean the person who held that job at the time.The report was signed by the then chief executive.
Test yourself
My brother is older blank I am.
Show answer
than. You are comparing two people after older, so use than.
First we went shopping, and blank we ate lunch.
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then. Lunch came next in time, so use then.
This phone costs more blank my old one.
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than. More compares two phones, so use than.
If it rains, blank we will stay inside.
Show answer
then. After an if part, then means in that case.