Then vs. Than: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
'Then' is used to denote time or sequence, while 'than' is used for comparison.
Key Differences
'Then' is primarily used to indicate a sequence of events or a point in time. 'Than' is used exclusively in comparative sentences to contrast or compare different things or persons.
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Nov 19, 2023
'Then' can imply a consequence or result of an action. 'Than' is never used to indicate consequence but rather to draw distinctions between two or more items.
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Nov 19, 2023
In storytelling or describing events, 'then' is used to progress the narrative. 'Than' is used in expressions that evaluate or measure one thing against another.
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Nov 19, 2023
'Then' can serve as an adverb, noun, or adjective. 'Than' is a conjunction that introduces a comparative clause.
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Nov 19, 2023
'Then' can also imply 'in that case' or 'therefore.' 'Than' has no such connotations and maintains its role in comparisons.
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Nov 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Function in Sentence
Progresses narrative, indicates next action.
Introduces the second element in a comparison.
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Nov 19, 2023
Examples
"Back then, things were different."
"She is taller than her brother."
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Nov 19, 2023
Additional Meaning
Can mean 'in that case' or 'therefore.'
No additional meaning outside of comparisons.
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Nov 19, 2023
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Then and Than Definitions
Then
At that time; at the time in question.
I was living in Spain back then.
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Nov 15, 2023
Than
Used to suggest a degree or extent.
They were more amused than frightened.
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Nov 15, 2023
Than
Used in expressions introducing an exception or contrast.
He claims to be more experienced than he is.
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Nov 15, 2023
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Than
Introducing the second element in a comparison.
She is taller than I am.
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Nov 15, 2023
Then
Indicating a logical conclusion.
If it's raining, then the ground will be wet.
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Nov 15, 2023
Than
Introducing a comparative adjective or adverb.
It's more complicated than it looks.
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Nov 15, 2023
Then
At that time
I was still in school then. Come at noon.
I'll be ready then.
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Oct 19, 2023
Than
Used after a comparative adjective or adverb to introduce the second element or clause of an unequal comparison
She is a better athlete than I.
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
Next in time, space, or order; immediately afterward
Watched the late movie and then went to bed.
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Oct 19, 2023
Than
Used to introduce the second element after certain words indicating difference
He draws quite differently than she does.
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
In addition; moreover; besides
It costs $20, and then there's the sales tax to pay.
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Oct 19, 2023
Than
When. Used especially after hardly and scarcely
I had scarcely walked in the door than the commotion started.
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
Used after but to qualify or balance a preceding statement
The star was nervous, but then who isn't on the first night of a new play.
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Oct 19, 2023
Than
In comparison or contrast with
Could run faster than him.
Outclassed everyone other than her.
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Oct 19, 2023
Than
Used in comparisons, to introduce the basis of comparison.
She's taller than I am;
She found his advice more witty than helpful;
We have less work today than we had yesterday;
We had no choice than to return home
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Oct 19, 2023
Than
Introduces a comparison, and is associated with comparatives, and with words such as more, less, and fewer. Typically, it seeks to measure the force of an adjective or similar description between two predicates.
Patients diagnosed more recently are probably surviving an average of longer than two years.
No player is more skillful than Greg.
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Oct 19, 2023
Than
A particle expressing comparison, used after certain adjectives and adverbs which express comparison or diversity, as more, better, other, otherwise, and the like. It is usually followed by the object compared in the nominative case. Sometimes, however, the object compared is placed in the objective case, and than is then considered by some grammarians as a preposition. Sometimes the object is expressed in a sentence, usually introduced by that; as, I would rather suffer than that you should want.
Behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
Which when Beelzebub perceived, than whom,Satan except, none higher sat.
It's wiser being good than bad;It's safer being meek than fierce;It's fitter being sane than mad.
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
(temporal location) Soon afterward.
He fixed it, then left.
Turn left, then right, then right again, then keep going until you reach the service station.
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Oct 19, 2023
Than
Introducing a possible alternative.
Rather than complain, he tried to fix the problem.
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Nov 15, 2023
Then
(sequence) Next in order of place.
There are three green ones, then a blue one.
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
(conjunctive) In that case.
If it’s locked, then we’ll need the key.
Is it 12 o'clock already? Then it's time for me to leave.
You don't like potatoes? What do you want me to cook, then?
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
(sequence) At the same time; on the other hand.
That’s a nice shirt, but then, so is the other one.
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
At that time (referring to a time specified, either past or future).
And the Canaanite was then in the land.
Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
Soon afterward, or immediately; next; afterward.
First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
At another time; later; again.
One while the master is not aware of what is done, and then in other cases it may fall out to be own act.
But that opinion, I trust, by then this following argument hath been well read, will be left for one of the mysteries of an indulgent Antichrist.
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
In that case; in consequence; as a consequence; therefore; for this reason.
If all this be so, then man has a natural freedom.
Now, then, be all thy weighty cares away.
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
That time; that moment;
We will arrive before then
We were friends from then on
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
Subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors);
Then he left
Go left first, then right
First came lightning, then thunder
We watched the late movie and then went to bed
And so home and to bed
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
In that case or as a consequence;
If he didn't take it, then who did?
Keep it then if you want to
The case, then, is closed
You've made up your mind then?
Then you'll be rich
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Oct 19, 2023
Then
At that time;
I was young then
Prices were lower back then
Science as it was then taught
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can 'then' start a sentence?
Yes, 'then' can start a sentence when indicating a consequence or time.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can 'than' be used to show sequence?
No, 'than' is exclusively used for comparisons.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is 'than' ever used in time references?
No, 'than' is not used for indicating time.
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Nov 19, 2023
Do 'then' and 'than' have the same pronunciation?
No, they are pronounced differently.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is 'then' used for timing events?
Yes, 'then' often refers to timing or sequence of events.
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Nov 19, 2023
Does 'then' always relate to the past?
No, 'then' can refer to past, present, or future contexts.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can 'than' be replaced with 'then'?
No, they serve different grammatical functions.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is 'then' used for logical conclusions?
Yes, it can be used to indicate a logical result.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can 'then' indicate a result?
Yes, 'then' can be used to indicate a consequence or result.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can 'then' suggest a contrast?
Yes, it can be used to emphasize a contrast.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is 'than' used in hypothetical situations?
Yes, particularly in comparisons within hypothetical contexts.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is 'than' used in expressions of preference?
Yes, such as in "I would rather do this than that."
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Nov 19, 2023
Can 'then' be used in a comparative sense?
No, 'then' is not used for comparisons.
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Nov 19, 2023
Do 'then' and 'than' have the same etymology?
No, they have different origins and meanings.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can 'than' introduce a clause?
Yes, 'than' introduces the comparative clause in a sentence.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can 'than' compare more than two items?
Yes, 'than' can be used in comparisons involving multiple items.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is 'then' used in conditional statements?
Yes, particularly in the consequence part of a conditional statement.
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Nov 19, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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