Than and Then

Confusing then and than is a mistake we frequently see online, even made by native speakers. Although their spelling and pronunciation may appear similar, they have very different meanings.

Than

Than can be either a conjunction or a preposition.

It can be used to join two parts of a comparison or used with 'more' or 'less' to compare numbers or amounts:

I am a lot older than my brother.

There are fewer people here than last year.

I would rather go to a restaurant than a bar.

It’s colder than I expected.

Then

Then has more than one meaning but it is generally used when talking about time and the order of events.

When used to refer to a particular past or future event:

When I lived in Los Angeles I surfed every day.

She's going to the party too, so you will see her then.

Call me after 7pm, I should be back by then.

When used to show the order of events or actions:

First I have to pick up James, then Peter.

Finish what you need to do, then we will go.

Now decide if these sentences need than or then:

• 1) We went to the bank ___ to the hairdresser.
  
  than
  then
  
  
• 2) I'll speak to you tomorrow, I'll have more time ___.
  
  than
  then
  
  
• 3) Will the package have arrived by ___?
  
  than
  then
  
  
• 4) I look older ___ you.
  
  then
  than
  
  
• 5) I was a lot healthier ___.
  
  then
  than
  
  
• 6) It was much easier ___ I remember.
  
  than
  then
  
  
• 7) I'd rather ride my bike ___ walk.
  
  then
  than
  
  
• 8) She finished her homework, ___ went out.
  
  then
  than
  
  
• 9) At first there were hardly any people here, ___ there were a lot.
  
  then
  than
  
  
• 10) She got a higher score ___ anyone.
  
  than
  then