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Then vs Than

Then is about time and order; than is for comparing. Here is how to pick the right one in a second.

Only one letter separates them, and in fast speech they can sound exactly the same. But they do completely different jobs.

  • Then is about time or order: at that time, or next.
  • Than is for comparing two things.

Then: time and order

Use then to say when something happens, or what comes next.

I lived in Madrid back then, so I didn't see the news.

We had dinner, and then we watched a film.

It also connects a condition to its result:

If you're tired, then take a break.

You will often hear it in small time phrases: back then, by then, until then, since then and now and then.

Than: comparing

Use than after a comparison, usually a word ending in -er or a phrase with more or less.

This bag is heavier than it looks.

The second film was more exciting than the first.

It also appears in a few fixed phrases: rather than, more than, less than and other than.

I'd rather walk than wait for the bus.

Easy way to tell them apart

Ask yourself one question: am I comparing?

  • Yes: use than.
  • No, I'm talking about time or order: use then.

Easy way to remember it

Look at the vowels.

  • then goes with when and next: time and order.
  • than goes with compare: comparisons.

Common mistakes

Comparing? Use than.
❌ My sister is taller then me.
✅ My sister is taller than me.

Saying what comes next? Use then.
❌ Mix the flour and butter, than add the eggs.
✅ Mix the flour and butter, then add the eggs.

After rather? Always than.
❌ I'd rather stay home then go out.
✅ I'd rather stay home than go out.

Good to know

Both of these are correct:

  • She's faster than me. This is natural in everyday speech.
  • She's faster than I am. This is a little more careful or formal.

Just avoid than I on its own in casual conversation: She's faster than I sounds very stiff.

In a conversation

Mia: Is the new café really better than the old one?
Tom: Much better. Let's go after work, then catch the film.
Mia: Deal. But earlier than six. I'm already hungry.

Quick check

  1. My brother is older ______ me. (then / than)
  2. Finish your homework, and ______ you can play. (then / than)
  3. I'd rather cook at home ______ eat out tonight. (then / than)
  4. We didn't have smartphones back ______. (then / than)

Answers

  1. than: you are comparing two people.
  2. then: it tells you what comes next.
  3. than: rather is always followed by than.
  4. then: back then is about time.