However, things get a little trickier when we consider how to abbreviate this sentence. Thanis a conjunction that is used for making comparisons between elements, objects, and people. Here are some simple exercises to remember than vs. then: The correct phrase is less than. "Then" usually relates to time. Than is a conjunction used to introduce the second part of an unequal comparison. When trying to determine whether you should use "than" or "then," remember that "than" makes a comparison, whereas "then" involves ordering events or items. For example: I like playing basketball more than soccer. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Both then and than are function words (as well as a conjunction, preposition, and noun). Fill in either then or than in each sentence. Answer For comparisons use "than": She lasted longer than I did. But it does allow for sentences like this one, The report shocked Jack more than me, since this sentence is understood to be The report shocked Jack more than it shocked me. It is used to connect events or ideas in time or order and can be used to introduce something that happens after another thing. Then indicates time. They are sequential, as indicated by the then. I usually eat healthy snacks, but today I want to try something other than fruit. Other "than" has a specific meaning. "She had better grammar than I." 2. Note that the conditions did not happen. Then appears in some idioms too. Then can also be used to refer to a logical result. Then and than sound similar but are slightly different. So you should use than while drawing comparisons. As a general rule, than is usually used to make some type of comparison. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Then can also be used as an adjective to refer to a previous status or to indicate that something belongs to a specific time. They have different meanings. Or does he like bagels more than he likes me? OK, see you then!. Than is a conjunction or preposition used to indicate comparison. Well then! Thenindicates time or consequence, as in the following examples: Youll also usetheninif thenconstructions. That is hers. 4.8 (21) PDF Add one to cart Homophone Exercise: Than vs. Then Created by Franco Pozzuoli This exercise is designed to give students a better understanding of the definitions and uses of " than " and " then ." Both words are defined and complemented by examples that illustrate their meanings. For example, less than the other., The correct phrase is well then. For example, well then, we need to go the store., The correct phrase is better than. They have different personalities in that they function as different parts of speech. So you have a "simultaneous" word coming up against a "sequential" word. 2 days of "and the lord heard me - i have my answers" || nsppd || 6th july 2023 My brother plays the piano more than I do. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Often used with before/after/until/back: Sometimes then refers to an exact time (as in the Ill be busy until 3 p.m. sentence), but in other cases it refers to a general time period (as in the last sentence about the years I was high school). However, telling them apart is not impossible. Than can also function as a preposition. I like playing basketball more than I like playing soccer. This lesson explains the difference between THEN and THAN: illustrations, definitions, examples, tips, practice story, final quiz, and answers. You and I are both taller than Gary. It is used to express grammatical relationships among other words within a sentence. Take a look at this example:Carlos is taller than his brother. In this example, "then" is used to mean "after that". Amanda is shorter than Annabelle. It was. "Than" and "then" are not homonyms. How to Use Each Word Correctly, What Are Superlative Adjectives? Then is commonly used to express a sense of time or what comes next or used to be. A preposition connects a noun or. adverb then Synonyms of then 1 : at that time 2 a : soon after that : next in order of time walked to the door, then turned b : following next after in order of position, narration, or enumeration : being next in a series first came the clowns, and then came the elephants c : in addition : besides then there is the interest to be paid 3 a Find out how to use "then" and "than" by using a set of rules, seeing examples, and some common uses for each term. Than can be used as a conjunction to compare two or more things. "Then" is used to refer to the concept of time. White, in their book, "The Elements of Style," say that you should carefully examine any sentence with "than" to ensure that no essential words are missing. Wouldnt it be a fun project to find out how these colorful expressions started? The fact that theyre so common means that theyre also commonly misused! In all of these examples, than is used to introduce a comparison between two things. It also introduces the rejected choice in expressions of preference. appears in some idioms too. In summary, then and than are different. The glasses are $100, and then there is sales tax. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. He cited the example of Black military members who fought in World War II and advocated for civil rights when they returned. George Orwell, in his classic book "Animal Farm," shows how you can use both "then" and "than" in the same sentence: "Snowball was racing across the long pasture that led to the road. A similar use of "then" when placing events in order might be, "I first went to the store, and 'then' I got gas. Then vs. Than | Meaning, Examples & Sentences. A lot of people make errors with the nearly identical than/then pair, but you dont have to be one of them. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Make sure to look at plenty of then and than examples in context. A non-native English speaker or learner can get confused between two similar-sounding words. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. 167 73 Less than a week later she passed another milestone. Practice using then and than in your writing. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. Eoghan Ryan. Than vs. Then: How to Choose the Right Word. Than is used to form comparisons between two things. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions That's because it's more versatile. Then is used to refer to the concept of time. A specific action (eating dinner) should take place "after that" (washing hands). "Than vs. Then: How to Choose the Right Word." Though close in appearance, the terms have different meanings and uses. The correct phrase is "other than," not "other then.". The adverb "then" means at that time, in that case, or next, as in: "He laughed and 'then' he cried." However, telling them apart is not impossible. In this example, the comparison is made between which is loved more: carrot cakes or me. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/than-and-then-1692784. 166 Alex glanced at Jonathan and then rubbed the top of his head. Then. In the context of better than, you use than with an a. I finished my bachelors degree, and _____ I began a masters. When To Use 'Then' and 'Than' Here's how to keep them straight. But that is wrong because both these words are very different. Ryan, E. Lets take a look at the differences between them. "Then" indicates that something happened 'after' something else, as in the following example: In this sentence, "then" is used to show that one event happened after another event, indicating the time frame of events. It is mostly used when making a comparison or depicting amount/quantity. have many similar characteristics. First you need a license, and then you can drive. Then has a number of different functions, but it is most commonly used as either an adverb or an adjective. Bethany Birch paid more than $5,200 toward her medical debt after getting sued by Ballad Health in 2018. For instance, I love country music more than I love pop songs.. The character Judge Daniel Phelan speaking to Detective Jimmy McNulty in the episode One Arrest" in the television show, "The Wire," explained how to tell the difference between "then" and "than" in an impromptu grammar lesson: "Look here, Jimmy. Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York. Both then and time have a letter E in them. Then and than are two commonly confused words with different meanings and grammatical roles. This is important to keep in mind. Understand words, phrases, slang terms, and all other variations of the English language. As an adjective, then is used meaning existing, being such, or being at the time specified. Nordquist, Richard. In the second instance, than is used for comparison. Lets have a look at how and when each word is used. When to Use Then Carole was introduced to quinoa in 2009; she has not stopped incorporating it into her diet since then. Widow vs. Widower: Whats The Difference? She would rather not go than wear high heels. There is no reference to time, so "then" should not be used. A detailed study of then vs. than today will clear any confusion that you might have too. Then, I'll have lunch, go to Math class, and go home. Examples: But by then, Shannon might be tired. We had eaten more than our share of the cookies. 303 106 Alex had been hiding more than a father. Thenis used to refer to time or a sequence of events. Don't worry! Next in time, space, or order; immediately afterward. Even native English speakers mix up these two common words, which are pronounced essentially the same in fast spoken English! 1. But that is wrong because both these words are very different. Generate accurate APA, MLA, and Chicago citations for free with Scribbr's Citation Generator. Examples: 'Then' as an adverb. Wouldnt it be a fun project to find out how these colorful expressions started? Oops! 2. White. I'll see you then. To mean at that time could be in the past or future. In this sentence, "than" is used to compare the height of two towers. Both the words than and comparison; have the alphabet a in them. Many people have the wrong idea that then and than can be used interchangeably. The two words I want to talk about today are no exception. In this instance, it is used to refer to the past. It introduces an exception to a stated group or rule, which is a type of comparison, not a reference to time. We saw a movie and then went out for dinner. '", Additionally, both "than" and "'comparison" have the letter "a" in them, and "then" and "time" both contain the letter "e.". The bill was signed by then President Ronald Reagan. Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. When wanting to compare two things or ideas, "than" is used. You can also use "then" to order items, as in: "I first counted the bills and 'then' counted the change." The second line, with the and, is cojoined. Bill is taller than John. Both "than" and "comparison" contain an "a" in the spelling. The words "either" and "neither" often come into play when discussing choices, options, or agreement., Writing and editing research papers can be a daunting task for most researchers across the, In a first, Paperpal has integrated large language models (LLMs) into the academic writing assistant,, In the world of research, precision and accuracy are paramount. Homonyms are words that have the same spelling and the same pronunciation, which is not the case for "than" and "then.". These vs. Those These and those are the plural equivalents of this and that. Scribbr. For instance, First do your math homework and then complete your science project.. No matter what you are comparing, whether it be time, money, speed, if a comparison is taking place, than is the correct word choice. A Parade Of Colors: Pride Flags Names, Meanings, And Emoji, Arboreal To Zephyrean: 14 Sizzling Words For Summer Days, Hip-Hop Vs. Rap: A Music, A Culture, And A Phenomenon. It connects two ideas or clauses in sentence, just like a conjunction, but it also modifies the sentence like an adverb. Are you using the right verbs in your research paper? Definition and Examples, What Are Comparative Adjectives? The hospital bills didn't find her, but a lawsuit did plus interest. The second says you prefer to cook first and eat outside food second. B. This usage of then signals a point in time. Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses. Thenis most commonly used as either an adverb, noun or an adjective.3. For decades, Silicon Valley anticipated the moment when a new technology would come along and change everything. More than less than; less than more than. They have different personalities in that they function as different parts of speech. (Indicating a comparison). ThoughtCo, Apr. Thanks for reading! Allyn and Bacon, 2000. Understanding Subject Complements in Grammar, Palate, Palette, or Pallet? Retrieved July 3, 2023, Have a human editor polish your writing to ensure your arguments are judged on merit, not grammar errors. After reading this post, you shouldn't have any trouble when choosing than or then. Then can function as an adjective, adverb, or noun, and indicates time or consequence. Mixing Then and Than. Than and then are similar, because they have similar sounds and spellings, but they have very different functions in English.Than is used when making comparisons and can be either a preposition or a conjunction.Then can be used as an adverb, adjective, or noun. For instance, I will take pick up the groceries and then start cooking. Than can also function as a preposition. Heres one more example for you: if you paid attention, then you should have no problem handling these words in the future! Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Vincent used to swim when he was in school, but he hasnt swum since _____. I get this question from a lot of readers. The world's best online resource for learning English. Until then, well just have to hope for the best. Please click the checkbox on the left to verify that you are a not a bot. (Correct), I would prefer to eat sooner rather then later. Then and than are homophones that sound alike but have different meanings. Then is an adverb that is most often used to talk about things that happen at a particular time. For example: When then functions as a noun, it's typically the object of a preposition. The council members argued for three days then eventually came to a decision. Or, "Finish your homework, and 'then' you can watch TV.". Ralph likes school more than I [like school]. If youre an ESL learner, here are a few tips for you to better grasp the difference between then and than: In conclusion, understanding the difference between then and than is essential for teaching and learning English. Definition and Examples, Do not sell or share my personal information. He was running as only a pig can run, but the dogs were close on his heels. The word "then" has several different uses. Use thanwhen you intend to form comparisons between two things or people. To avoid confusion, your best bet is to use than I (or than he, than she, than we, than they) in formal and professional settings, and reserve than me (along with than her, than him, than us, than them) for informal speech. They have different characteristics: How you define than is definitely not the same as how you define then! Mr. Cross used to be really strict, but he's gotten more relaxed since, I can't afford this car until I get my paycheck, so I'll wait until. Common Errors in English: Difficult or Difficulty? Example: Janie likes carrot cakes more than I. It introduces an exception to the rest of the mentioned group members. After reading this post, you shouldnt have any trouble when choosing than or then. Dictionaries define. Here's when to use then vs. than. This swimming pool is bigger than that pond. They are spelled alike, except for the, . If thats how you feel, we shouldnt be friends anymore.. Do you feel that you know them better now? pair, but you dont have to be one of them. Learn how to use each one with some quick tips. I like playing basketball more than I like playing soccer. When you use the word then as an adverb of time, it indicates that one event follows another. As we have already seen, then can show or mean three things next, condition, or at that time. She would rather stay in than go out. In conclusion, understanding the difference between "then" and "than" is essential for teaching and learning English. Remember, no matter what you are comparing, be it be time, money or speed, if a comparison is taking place,thanis the right word to use. Sometimes, then is an adjective or a noun. Then often functions as an adverb. Ive never really liked you. Other than has a specific meaning. So you have to use then when talking in reference to time. The essential difference between then vs than is that you should use than when making comparisons, while you should use then for things relating to order or time. These two words are very close in their appearance, but than vs. then have very different uses. To mean of that time, belonging to that time. A preposition connects a noun or pronoun to a verb or adjective in a sentence, usually to express a spatial or temporal relationship. Just use the same strategy you use to tell one person from anotherget to know them! Keep this in mind for later when I give you the trick to remember. Knowledge Base Commonly confused words Then vs. Than | Meaning, Examples & Sentences Then vs. Than | Meaning, Examples & Sentences Published on August 8, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan . 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/than-and-then-1692784. Or you can remember that "than" is a comparative adjective or adverb, and both have the letter "a," as in: This is bigger "than" that." Easy to use. Although theywere once used interchangeablyindeed centuries ago their spellings and pronunciations frequently interchangednow there is a clear difference between them. The correct phrase is more than, since it is typically used in sentences comparing two things. 7 Examples of Then vs Than - Simplicable top communication language transition words then vs than 7 Examples of Then vs Than John Spacey, November 30, 2019 Then refers to a moment in time or puts things into an ordered sequence. Glamor or Glamour Whats the Difference? We can speak then. My then roommate Claire moved out and I have not seen her since then. Then vs. Than: Pronunciation. Dictionaries define then lots of different ways: in that case, at that time, next in order of place or time, at the same time, soon afterward, in addition, or as a consequence. Let's check these meanings with example sentences. The sentence indicates that Janie loves carrot cake more than she loves me. Examples and memory tricks can help to understand and remember the .

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