Use "than" for comparisons ("faster than", "better than"). Use "then" for time or sequence ("first this, then that"). Quick check: if you're comparing two things, it's "than"; if you mean "next" or "at that time", it's "then".
These two are only one letter apart and often typed on autopilot — but they do completely different jobs in a sentence.
The rule
- Than is used for comparisons between two things. "This book is better than that one." "She runs faster than I do."
- Then is used for time or sequence — what happens next, or at a particular time. "We had dinner, then watched a film." "Back then, things were different."
A quick way to check
Ask: am I comparing two things? If yes, it's than. Am I talking about order, time, or "what happens next"? If yes, it's then.
- "I'd rather walk than drive." (comparing two options → than)
- "Finish your homework, then you can play." (sequence → then)
- "She's taller than her brother." (comparison → than)
- "If it rains, then we'll stay in." (consequence/time → then)
A memory trick
Than has an A, like comparison. Then has an E, like sequence or when. If that doesn't stick, just remember: comparisons get "than", everything else usually gets "then".
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it "rather than" or "rather then"?
"Rather than" — it's a comparison between two options, so it takes "than".
How do I remember then vs than?
"Than" has an A, like comparison. "Then" is about time — first this, then that. If you're comparing, use than; if you mean "next" or "at that time", use then.
Is it "more than" or "more then"?
"More than" — always. "More" sets up a comparison, and comparisons take "than", never "then".