Difference Between Then and Than
Last Updated :
23 May, 2023
The words “then” and “than” are confused because of their similar spellings and pronunciation. However, they have different meanings and uses in sentences.
Meaning of Then –
“Then” is an adverb that refers to a particular time in the past or future, or to a sequence of events. It can also be used to indicate a consequence or result.
Usage of Then –
- Used to refer to a sequence of events.
- Used to indicate a consequence or result.
- Used to mean “therefore” or “in that case”.
- Used to indicate a time in the past
Examples of Then –
- If it rains, then we will stay inside.
- She won the race, and then she celebrated with her team.
- He was hungry, and then he ate a sandwich.
- She was busy with work back then.
- We missed the bus, and then we had to walk home.
- He was an excellent student back then.
- I took a shower, then got dressed.
Meaning of Than –
“Than” is a conjunction used to compare two things or to indicate a preference. It is commonly used in comparative phrases like “more than” or “less than”.
Usage of Than –
- Used to compare two things or indicate a preference.
- Used to mean “except” in phrases like “other than” or “rather than”.
- Used to indicate a difference in quantity
- Used to indicate a difference in degree
- Used to indicate a difference in quality
Examples of Than –
- She is taller than her sister.
- He has more money than I do.
- Other than her, everyone showed up on time.
- I like chocolate more than vanilla.
- I prefer tea than coffee.
- He is stronger than his brother.
- She is more talented than her classmates.
Differences between Then and Than –
Then |
Than |
Adverb that refers to a specific point in time or a sequence of events |
Conjunction used to introduce the second element of a comparison |
Used to indicate a consequence or result |
Used to show a difference or distinction between things |
Can be used to indicate a future event or a condition |
Used exclusively to compare two things or ideas |
Can be used as a noun or adjective |
Not used as a noun or adjective |
Can be used to indicate a logical consequence or outcome |
Used only to compare two things of the same type |
Used in conditional statements |
Used in comparative statements |
Commonly used in time expressions |
Commonly used to express a preference |
Indicates a time or sequence of events |
Indicates a comparison between two things |
Used to introduce a subsequent action or event |
Used to join two clauses or phrases that express a comparison |
Can be used to refer to a condition or circumstance that existed at a particular time in the past |
Used to express a difference or contrast between two things |
Used with verbs such as “was,” “were,” “had,” and “have” |
Used with adjectives and adverbs |
Contains the letter “e” |
Contains the letters “a” and “n” |
Can be used in a variety of contexts, including narrative and description |
Used primarily in comparisons and preferences |
Conclusion –
In summary, then and than are two words that are confused. Then is used to indicate a time or sequence, consequence, or result. Than is used to compare two things and indicate a difference in quantity, degree, or quality.
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