Then and Than: the Grammar Smackdown

Ah, English grammar — the land of rules that are inconsistent and exceptions to those very same rules. A major offender for causing this confusion is “then” and then, the bad guy — “than. If you have ever wondered which of than vs. then to use, so do we all the time! Never fear, I am here to shed some light on the murky waters with a pinch of comic relief and loads more clarity. If You battle to get your head around the biggest part of English grammar this is about to create an educational but entertaining trip for you.

What is “Then”?

We will begin with the easier one: ‘then. It is a word that you use when talking about time or sequence of some event. If you are setting up the next event this is your word. You can see it as a time-machine of sort It helps you transition from one point to another sequentially.

Examples of “Then” in Action:

“Then I got up and had some breakfast.

In the above statement, “then” is used to interrelate waking up and having breakfast with each other. Movements in succession is what it all boils down to.

“Watching TV is okay if you finish your homework.”

Here “then” illustrates the consequence of doing homework i.e., getting to watch TV. Cause And Effect, Baby!

“Computers were not a part of the civilian landscape, simply typewriters.

THEN, he was telling a coming-of-age story. The Miller Effect — A Time Machine Back To The Past

What is “Than”?

Now we turn to the other half of our dynamic duo: ‘than’. It is used to make comparisons. Used when you compare two things. If you’re trying to compare things in terms of more, less bigger or faster smaller or slower than is your loyal companion.

Examples of “Than” in Action:

My elder brother is not as tall as me

So, in the above sentence heights of two persons are compare and we know that after comparison ” than” word is used. Comparisons, comparisons and even more comparisons!

For the book at top of EACH PILE…the books are better.

Use “than” when you wish to compare the interest level one or more books relative to another (this will be explained in an upcoming post). It’s a comparison showdown!

“Meh, I would prefer the beach over mountains”

In the above sentence, “than” is being used to compare two things. Imagine deciding between two desirable deserts.

Where Things Start To Go South: Then and Than

The classic “then” vs. “than” mix up that can result in some funny (or not so great) outcomes It is as if one said, “I want ice cream not cake.” Now, unless they are time-hopping to the future when ice cream turns into cake that sentence makes very little sense. What they likely said was: I prefer ice cream over cake. See the difference? It has all to do about the contrast against a sequence.

Now the classic case: “If you study hard and well, then you will score better on the test compared to if less or nothing at all.” Use of the word ‘then’ is correct for describing a sequence, and the word ‘than’ accurately describes comparing studying to not. Together, these things could get a bit confusing!

Quick Tips to Remember

Make it simple with quick, easy to remember tips that offer value.

Use “then” when referring to time or sequence.

Example: “I will bake the cake, then I’ll eat it.”

Use “than” when you say that something is significantly better than another.

Example: The cake is better than the pie.

Imagine “then” is a time machine and “than” as comparing two things.

Use then to show what comes next. Than is your friend when two things are being compared.

Practice Makes Perfect

Now, let’s test your newfound knowledge! Attempt the following to repair these sentences:

Okay, I get home then we talk about the party.

She plays the piano better then her sister.

“Eat well, and you will be good.

Answers:

Call me when I get home, then we could talk about that party.

(Use “then” since it is part of the chain.)

This sentence would look like this with two prepositions, which have not been omitted: “She is better at playing the piano and footie than her sister.

(Use Than when comparing levels of talent.)

Then if you eat healthier, then youre going to feel better than before.

(This is the correct usage of both “then” and “than”).

Final Words of Wisdom

Then and than always seem to trip people up but with a little practice you will soon be able to tell the difference between them. Just remember:

Use then for time and sequence.

“Than” is for comparisons.

Proper use of these words can make your written expression clearer, more concise and prevent some very amusing grammatical goofs. This is a simple way to remember when you should be using “then” and when it’s actually supposed to be “than”. Just know that as absolutely confusing grammar may be, a bit of humor can save most things!

Happy writing!