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Confusing Words 1 min read Published January 2025

Than vs then - what's the difference?

Than - used in comparisons:"She's taller than her sister.""This is better than I expected.""No one knows the city better than he does."Then - refers to time, or follows if:"I finished work, then went home." (time sequence)"We lived in Leeds then." (at that time)"If you're hungry, then eat somethi...

Than - used in comparisons:
"She's taller than her sister."
"This is better than I expected."
"No one knows the city better than he does."

Then - refers to time, or follows if:
"I finished work, then went home." (time sequence)
"We lived in Leeds then." (at that time)
"If you're hungry, then eat something." (result/consequence)

The trick

If you're comparing two things, it's than. If you're talking about when or what happens next, it's then.

Common mistake

"She's better then expected." βœ— β†’ "She's better than expected." βœ“
"I studied, than I slept." βœ— β†’ "I studied, then I slept." βœ“

More than vs more then

"I've waited more than an hour." (comparison - than) βœ“
"More than 50 people came." βœ“

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A common typo in informal writing. In professional and academic contexts, getting this right matters.

Frequently asked

What does "Than vs then - what's the difference?" mean?

Than - used in comparisons:"She's taller than her sister.""This is better than I expected.""No one knows the city better than he does."Then - refers to time, or follows if:"I finished work, then went home." (time sequence)"We lived in Leeds then." (at that time)"If you're hungry, then eat somethi...

Is "Than vs then - what's the difference?" formal or informal?

A common typo in informal writing. In professional and academic contexts, getting this right matters.

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