Skip to Main Content
Today's Hours:

Rams Write: Then/Than

Here you'll find a student-generated guide to writing and composition.

Introduction

When writing, it can be easy to mistake the two words "then" and "than" for one another. Students can run into trouble when they're not paying close attention. The similarity of the spelling and the sound of the words can create confusion.

Visual

Then=time, Than=comparison

  • 'Then' refers to time and sequence
  • 'Than' is used for a comparison

Learn more

Screenshot of Penlighten logo

Then vs Than Explained

Here's a more in-depth explanation with a quiz. 

Examples

Example 1

Incorrect: I have to go to the store, than go home.

Correct: I have to go to the store, then go home.

Explanation: 'Then' is the correct choice because this sentence is referencing time and sequence.

 

Example 2

Incorrect: I got a better grade on the test then him.

Correct: I got a better grade on the test than him.

Explanation: 'Than' is the correct choice because this sentence is using a comparison.

 

Example 3

Incorrect: I have to go to class, than after we can hang out.

Correct:  I have to go to class, then after we can hang out.

Explanation:  'Then' is the correct choice because this sentence is referencing time and sequence.

 

Example 4

Incorrect: I like Christmas better then Halloween.

Correct:  I like Christmas better than Halloween.

Explanation: 'Than' is the correct choice because this sentence is using a comparison.

This page was created by/ MLA Citations

Fall 2019

Dylan Lemos, Framingham State U, Class of 2023

Collin Doty, Framingham State U, Class of 2023

Erica Laubi, Framingham State U, Class of 2023

Ajan Nelson, Framingham State U, Class of 2023

 

Works Cited

Gaonkar, Vibhav. “Then vs Than - Grammar Rule.” Penlighten, 12 March, 2018, penlighten.com/then-vs-than-grammar-rule.

Howcast. “When to Use “Then” vs. “Than” | Grammar Lessons.” Youtube, commentary by Stephanie Paterik, 19 February 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=-ay-8p2p29w.

“Meme Generator.” Meme Generator- Imgflip, Imgflip LLC, 2019, imgflip.com/memegenerator.

Servais, Erin. “Than vs. Then.” Grammar Party, 19 July 2011, grammarpartyblog.com/2011/07/19/than-vs-then/.

“When To Use Than and Then.” Merriam Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/when-to-use-then-and-than.