Then or Than?

It might be because the words are pronounced similarly that then and than are often confused by English learners. Let's take a look at the difference.

Then

Then is used either as a time expression, as a consequence or with a sequence of events.

Then Examples:

As a time expression - Sorry I missed your call last night, I was already sleeping then.

As a consequence/result - Eat now, then you won't be so hungry later.

As a sequence marker - First boil the water, then add the noodles.

Than

Than is not related to time, it is a conjunction. Than is used in the comparative form i.e. in comparative statements when comparing two things.

Than Examples:

You are older than I am.

She was later than usual.

That was much better than I was expecting.

A simple trick to help you remember the difference is that then is a time word like when. Both of these words are have an e in them. If you are talking about time, use the e word then.

Now decide if these sentences need then or than:

• 1 - These recipes are healthier ___ mine.
  
  then
  than
  
  
• 2 - The movie will end no later ___ midnight.
  
  than
  then
  
  
• 3 - Tell me your test score, ___ I will tell you mine!
  
  then
  than
  
  
• 4 - Summers seemed longer ___.
  
  then
  than
  
  
• 5 - This meeting, ___, is over.
  
  then
  than
  
  
• 6 - The weather was much better ___ I thought it would be.
  
  then
  than
  
  
• 7 - I don't like crowds so I'd rather visit the countryside ___ the city.
  
  than
  then