Buzz
Many people often misuse the words than and then. This mistake is quite common, partly because these two words sound very similar, and in some cases, it's simply hard to distinguish between them. However, it's crucial to know which word to use in which context. As a general rule, than is used for comparisons, while then refers to time. Practice using and pronouncing these words, and soon (then) you'll be better at it (than) anyone else!
Steps
Identify the uses of 'then'
Remember that then is a word that indicates time or sequence. In all cases, then is used when you're talking about a specific time or a sequence of events. If asked when a certain event took place, then is the appropriate word to use in your response.
- For example, if a teacher asks where you were at noon yesterday, you might reply, 'I was at lunch then (At that time I was having lunch).'
- If someone asks when something will be finished, you could tell them, 'Come back tomorrow afternoon. I will have everything ready by then.' (Come back tomorrow afternoon. By that time I will have everything ready).
Link a sequence of events using then. Another common use of then is to indicate the order of events. Use then to inform others about what happens next in terms of time, space, or sequence. Here are some examples of this usage:
- We plan to depart at 9, and then we’ll take a lunch break around 11. (We will leave at 9, then stop for lunch at 11.)
- First, align part A with part B. Then, fasten them together. (First, line up part A and B, then screw them together.)
- The inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and then Mars. (The inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and next Mars.)
Use then to add information or conditions. Then can also imply 'in addition,' 'furthermore,' or 'in that case.' Use then when you need to add details to a sentence or adjust outcomes based on conditions.
- To add information, you might say, 'The dinner costs $20, and then you need to include the tip.' (The dinner costs $20, plus you have to add the tip.)
- To express a condition, you could say, 'If the weather is nice, then we’ll head to the beach tomorrow.' (If the weather is good, then we’ll go to the beach tomorrow.)
Use then to imply something was true in the past. In certain contexts, then can function as an adjective to describe something that was once true, even if it no longer is. This usage often appears when referring to individuals, such as politicians, who previously held a position but no longer do.
- For example, 'That policy was introduced in 2010 by then President Barack Obama.' (The program was established in 2010 by the then President Barack Obama.)
- This usage isn’t limited to people. You could also say, 'The historian wrote about the then flourishing state of Rome.' (The historian described Rome’s former prosperity.)
Identify the uses of 'than'
Use than as a conjunction in comparative contexts. A conjunction connects two parts of a sentence. When comparing one noun (a person, place, thing, or idea) to another, use than to introduce the second part of the comparison. Than often follows comparative words like better, worse, more, less, higher, lower, smaller, larger, etc. For example:
- Your fridge has more onions than scallions. (There are more onions than scallions in your fridge.)
- I can run faster now than I could last year. (I run faster now than I did last year.)
- I prefer cloudy weather more than sunny days. (I like cloudy weather more than the sun.)
Use than to indicate a relationship between two events. Than can also be used with past tense verbs and certain adverbial clauses. Adverbial clauses are phrases that modify or describe a verb. In these cases, than is used to show a connection between one event and another.
- For example, if it feels like your alarm clock rings as soon as you fall asleep, you might say, 'No sooner did I lay my head down than my alarm started ringing.' (I had barely fallen asleep when my alarm went off.)
- This usage can sometimes resemble the use of then and may cause confusion. The difference here is that then implies a sequence, whereas than does not indicate a sequence in this context. It simply highlights the relationship between two events—falling asleep and the alarm ringing.
Use than when you can't find a synonym for the word in question. If you're trying to distinguish between than and then, try substituting the word. Than is a unique word with no direct synonyms. In contrast, then can be replaced with words like 'subsequently,' 'next,' or 'later.'
- For example, you wouldn't say, 'Jessica arrived later subsequently Joe.' Even though time is involved, you're comparing who arrived later in this context. That's why the correct sentence is, 'Jessica arrived later than Joe.'
- However, it makes sense to say, 'First, I need to shower, and next I have to catch the bus.' In this context, 'next' can replace then.
Practice Using Then and Than
Check your usage. If you've ever been confused while writing, review each word to see if it makes sense in the sentence's context. Ask yourself the following questions to identify the correct word:
- If I replace 'then' with 'next,' does the sentence still make sense?
- 'I will go to the store next' makes sense, so you can say, 'I will go to the store then.'
- If I replace 'than' with 'in comparison to,' does the sentence still make sense?
- 'A used car costs less in comparison to a new car' makes sense, so you can say, 'It costs less than a new car.'
Practice writing with then and than regularly. The best way to get comfortable with the different uses of then and than is to use them in context. Try writing a set of instructions to practice using then.
- Pay attention to how then and than are used in everyday writing. Spend a few minutes reviewing and editing essays, school assignments, and documents to check for correct usage.
- You can also find online quizzes and exercises about then and than to test your understanding.
Pronunciation of these two words differs. Phonetically, native English speakers use the schwa sound (ǝ, similar to a soft "uh") because it is more efficient in daily communication, which is why "a" and "e" are often not pronounced distinctly. However, taking the time to practice differentiating the pronunciation of these words can reinforce their correct usage in your mind.
- Pronounce the word than with your mouth wide open and your tongue pressed against your teeth. The vowel sound comes from the back of your mouth, with your throat slightly constricted.
- Pronounce then with your mouth slightly open. The vowel sound comes from a relaxed throat, with your tongue in a neutral position.
Advice
- The simplest way to remember is: the word "then" relates to time, similar to the word "when," and both words contain the letter "e."
- Pay attention to grammar checks. If your text processor underlines or highlights "then" or "than," you might have chosen the wrong word. Reread the sentence to confirm.
- People often misuse then more than than. Errors with than tend to look awkward or completely wrong, while mistakes with then seem more acceptable. Be particularly mindful of then and its usage.
- Another mnemonic: "then" and "time" both contain an "e" but no "a," while "than" and "comparison" both contain an "a" but no "e."
