Then and than are both correct English words, but they have different meanings and cannot be used in the same situations. People often confuse them because they look and sound similar, especially when typing quickly or learning English.
This guide explains the difference between then or than, shows when to use each word with simple examples, covers their history, compares British and American English usage, highlights common mistakes, and helps you choose the correct word every time.
Quick Answer
The difference is simple:
- Then relates to time, order, or what happens next.
- Than is used for comparisons.
Examples
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Then | At that time or next | Finish your homework, then watch TV. |
| Than | Used to compare | She is taller than her brother. |
Easy Rule
- If you are talking about time, use then.
- If you are making a comparison, use than.
The Origin of Then or Than
The words then and than both come from Old English but developed different meanings over time.
Then comes from the Old English word þonne, meaning “at that time” or “afterward.” It has always been linked with time and sequence.
Than also comes from the Old English þonne, but its meaning changed during Middle English. Writers began using it only for comparisons, creating the clear difference we use today.
Although both words share the same historical root, English spelling evolved to separate their meanings. Today, then is for time, while than is for comparison.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British English and American English.
Both countries use:
- Then
- Than
Only the grammar and meaning determine which word is correct.
Comparison Table
| Usage | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Then | Then |
| Sequence | Then | Then |
| Comparison | Than | Than |
| Better than | Better than | Better than |
| First this, then that | Correct | Correct |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
The choice is not based on your country. It depends on the sentence.
Use then if you are talking about time or the next event.
Examples:
- Eat dinner, then wash the dishes.
- Back then, life was different.
Use than if you compare two people, objects, or ideas.
Examples:
- This phone is cheaper than that one.
- He runs faster than I do.
Whether you write for the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, or any other English-speaking audience, these rules stay the same.
Common Mistakes with Then or Than
Many writers accidentally type one word instead of the other.
Incorrect
She is smarter then me.
Correct
She is smarter than me.
Incorrect
We went home than had dinner.
Correct
We went home then had dinner.
Incorrect
This car is faster then yours.
Correct
This car is faster than yours.
Incorrect
Finish your work than leave.
Correct
Finish your work then leave.
Then or Than in Everyday Examples
Emails
- Please send the report, then call me.
- This option is better than the previous one.
News
- The president spoke, then answered questions.
- Inflation is lower than last year.
Social Media
- Finish your workout, then celebrate.
- This movie is funnier than the first one.
Formal Writing
- The committee reviewed the proposal, then approved it.
- The new system is more efficient than the old one.
Then or Than – Google Trends & Usage Data
Searches for then or than remain high because it is one of the most common grammar questions in English.
Students, professionals, bloggers, and content writers frequently search this phrase when proofreading documents or improving their writing.
Interest is especially strong in countries where English is widely spoken or taught, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, and Pakistan.
Most searches focus on grammar rules, writing mistakes, comparison words, and everyday English usage.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Then | Than |
|---|---|---|
| Part of Speech | Adverb, adjective, noun | Conjunction, preposition |
| Main Purpose | Shows time or sequence | Shows comparison |
| Related To | Time | Comparison |
| Example | We ate, then left. | She is taller than me. |
| Memory Trick | Think “Time” | Think “Compare” |
FAQs
Is it then or than?
Use then for time and than for comparisons.
Which is correct: better then or better than?
Better than is correct because you are comparing two things.
Can then and than be used interchangeably?
No. They have different meanings and different grammar rules.
Why do people confuse then and than?
They look similar, sound alike in some accents, and are often typed quickly.
Is “first than” correct?
No. It should be first, then because you are showing order.
Is “more then” correct?
Usually no. It should be more than because it introduces a comparison.
How can I remember the difference?
Remember that then contains the idea of time, while than introduces a comparison.
Conclusion
The correct choice depends on what you want to say: use then for time, sequence, or the next event, and use than when comparing people, places, things, or ideas. A simple way to avoid mistakes is to ask yourself whether your sentence is about time or comparison before writing.
Practising with real examples will help you remember the rule naturally and improve your everyday writing. If you want to master more commonly confused words, read our guide on too or to for another easy grammar lesson.
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