To keep this pair of words straight, focus on this basic difference: than is used when you're talking about comparisons; then is used when you're talking about something relating to time. When to Use Than Than (for comparisons) is the word to choose in phrases like smaller than, bolder than, and easier said than done. Then and than are homophones that sound alike but have different meanings. Then can function as an adjective, adverb, or noun, and indicates time or consequence. Than is a conjunction or preposition used to indicate comparison. Then and than are among the 100 most frequently used words in the English language.
Than vs. Then Difference and How to use Each Correctly INK Blog
Than vs. then: What's the difference? The word than is used for comparisons to show who or what something is compared against. For example,"cats are smarter than dogs." The word then is used to show time, as in "at that time" or "after that happened." For example,"I exercised then took a shower." When to use than Published on August 8, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan . Revised on March 11, 2023. Then and than are two commonly confused words with different meanings and grammatical roles. Then (pronounced with a short "e" sound) refers to time. Then vs. Than: What's The Difference? Then is an adverb, noun, or adjective that indicates a previous time. Meanwhile, than is a conjunction used when comparing two items or people. Use then in writing or events when there is an element of time. In the English language, then means at that time, at that point, or next. The word "than" is used to compare things. Below are some examples of each: I ate breakfast and then I went to work. The party is at 7--I'll see you then! Turn left at the light and then turn right on the next street. If you went to the party then you probably met my friend. I'm taller than my sister. She is older than 35.
Using then or than in a sentence for each word
Then is used to describe an event or subject in relation to time, such as the order of events in a story. In contrast, than is commonly used as a preposition to compare and contrast two subjects in the same sentence. What is the difference between than and then? Than with an a can be used as a conjunction or sometimes as a preposition in sentences. When you introduce a second element in comparison to the first one, you use than. "He is much smarter than his friend." When presenting a contrast or exception to the regular objects in an expression, than is utilized. By Ellen Gutoskey | Sep 17, 2021. If you're writing a conditional statement, then you should use then. / Twomeows_IS/iStock via Getty Images. Though the word than should technically rhyme with man. Than and then sound similar, but they actually have different pronunciations, spellings, and meanings. The "a" in than should sound like the "a" in can, and the "e" in then should sound like the "e" in hen. Many people use these words incorrectly because the vowel in than is often not stressed when said aloud, leading to than.
"Then" vs. "Than" When To Use Each Word YourDictionary
More about "Than" and "Then" "Then" and "than" are common words, and your readers will expect you to use the right one. Than "Than" introduces a comparison. It is most often seen with comparatives and words like "more," "less," and "fewer." Craig is smarter than Paul. ("Smarter" is a comparative.) Money is better than poverty, if only for. Both the words 'then' and 'time' have the alphabet 'e' in them. So you have to use 'then' when talking in reference to time. Similarly, the third alphabet of 'than' is 'a'. 'Then' is used for comparisons and is used as a comparative adjective or adverb. Both the words 'than' and 'comparison; have the alphabet.
When to Use Then Then has a number of different functions, but it is most commonly used as either an adverb or an adjective. Below are a few examples of its many meanings and uses. At that time. I was at work then. Come over this afternoon; I'll be ready then. Next in time, space, or order; immediately afterward. Answer: then. Explanation: "Then" suggests a sequence of activities. Answer: than. Explanation: "Than" is used when comparing performance levels. Answer: Now that. Explanation: "Now that" is the correct phrase to indicate since or because a particular thing has happened. Answer: than.
How to Use Than and Then Correctly in 2023 AtOnce
The adverb "then" means at that time, in that case, or next, as in: "He laughed and 'then' he cried." This use of "then" orders events in terms of time. A similar use of "then" when placing events in order might be, "I first went to the store, and 'then' I got gas." What is the Difference Between Than and Then? Than and then are often mixed up in English, partly because they have similar spelling and sound alike. However, the words then and than have very different meanings and uses in language. Then is used in several different ways relating to the element of time.
