Vocabulary
A2–B1
5 min read
Updated 9 June 2026
Quick answer: Then relates to time or sequence (we ate, then left; if this, then that). Than is used in comparisons (taller than, more than, better than). Memory trick: compArisons use thAn.
Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|
| then | adverb / conjunction | at that time; next in sequence; in that case | We had lunch, then went for a walk. |
| than | conjunction / preposition | used in comparisons | She is taller than her brother. |
Using Then
Then relates to time or sequence. It has three main uses:
1. At that time / at a point in the past or future
I was living in Paris then.
By then, the shop will be closed.
2. Next in sequence (after that)
First, mix the flour. Then, add the eggs.
We went to Rome, then to Florence.
3. In that case / as a consequence (if…then)
If you are tired, then you should rest.
If that's true, then we have a problem.
Memory trick: then contains the word when — both relate to time. "When? Then."
Using Than
Than is used in comparisons — whenever you compare two things and say one is more, less, better, worse, bigger, smaller, etc. than the other.
This film is better than the book.
He earns more than she does.
London is more expensive than Manchester.
I would rather walk than take the bus.
No sooner had we arrived than it started raining.
Memory trick: compArisons use thAn. Both contain the letter A. "Always use thAn for compArisons."
Common Phrases
| With then (time) | With than (comparison) |
|---|
| back then, now and then, every now and then, since then, until then, by then, just then, right then | more than, less than, better than, worse than, rather than, other than, no sooner…than, more often than not |
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1 — Using then in a comparison
✗ She is smarter then him.
✓ She is smarter than him.
Mistake 2 — Using than for a time sequence
✗ We finished dinner, than went to the cinema.
✓ We finished dinner, then went to the cinema.
Mistake 3 — Mixing them in if-clauses
✗ If you are ready, than let's begin.
✓ If you are ready, then let's begin.
Mistake 4 — "more then" in comparisons
✗ There are more then 100 students enrolled.
✓ There are more than 100 students enrolled.
Mini-Quiz
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between then and than?
Then is an adverb or conjunction relating to time or sequence: "We finished work, then went for a walk." "I was younger then." "If it rains, then we will cancel." Than is a conjunction or preposition used in comparisons: "She is taller than me." "This is better than that." "I'd rather stay than leave." The difference is just one letter — e in then, a in than — but they are grammatically different words.
How do I remember which is which?
The most reliable memory trick: compArisons use thAn — both contain the letter A. If you are comparing two things, use than. If you are talking about time or sequence (when? next? in that case?), use then. Another tip: then rhymes with when — both relate to time. Than pairs with comparative adjectives: taller, better, more, less, rather.
Can "then" be used to mean "in that case"?
Yes. Then has a conditional meaning equivalent to "in that case" or "as a consequence": "If you're tired, then you should sleep." "If that's correct, then we need to act." "Well then, let's get started." This logical use of then (if…then logic) is common in academic writing, argumentation, and conditional sentences. It is different from comparison — no comparative adjective appears.
What words typically come before than in a comparison?
Than follows comparative adjectives and adverbs: better, worse, higher, lower, more, less, faster, slower, earlier, later, harder, easier, bigger, smaller, older, younger, rather, other. Examples: "more expensive than," "less effective than," "earlier than expected," "other than that," "rather than waiting." If you can put a comparative adjective or adverb before the blank, use than.
Is "more than" correct or "more then"?
"More than" is always correct when you are making a comparison: "more than 100 people," "more than expected," "more than ever." "More then" is a common typing error and is not standard in any grammatical context. Remember: more is a comparative word, and comparisons use than (with an A).
Is "rather than" one word or two?
"Rather than" is a two-word phrase used to express preference or contrast: "I prefer reading rather than watching TV." "She resigned rather than accept the demotion." It always uses than (comparison/contrast) not then. "Rather than" can be followed by a noun, gerund (-ing), or infinitive depending on the structure: "rather than him/going/to go." It is a very common phrase in formal and academic English.
What does "no sooner…than" mean?
"No sooner…than" is a fixed expression meaning "immediately after": "No sooner had we sat down than the alarm went off." It always uses than, not then, even though it relates to time. This is because it is a comparative structure — it compares the timing of two events, implying one happened almost the moment the other did. It often appears with inverted word order in formal writing.
Do native speakers confuse then and than?
Yes, frequently — especially in typing, where e and a are close on the keyboard. "More then" instead of "more than" is one of the most common written errors, as is "smarter then" instead of "smarter than." The mistake rarely appears in speech because then and than are often pronounced slightly differently, but in quick writing the distinction is easy to miss.
Can "than" ever be a preposition?
Yes. In traditional grammar, than is a conjunction: "She is taller than I am." In modern usage, than is also treated as a preposition, especially in informal contexts: "She is taller than me." (me, not I, because than acts as a preposition here). Both are acceptable. In formal writing, the conjunction use (than I) is preferred; in informal speech and writing, the preposition use (than me) is more natural.
What are common fixed phrases with "then"?
Common phrases: "back then" (at that time in the past), "now and then / every now and then" (occasionally), "until then" (up to that time), "by then" (before or at that time), "since then" (from that time forward), "just then" (at that exact moment), "right then" (immediately), "then again" (on the other hand). All relate to time or logical consequence — none are used for comparisons.