Than vs. Then — What's the Difference?

Indicates preference or superiority.

Suggests an appropriate or obvious action.

Used to introduce the second element in a comparison.

At that time; at the time in question

Describes exception or difference.

After that; next; afterwards

A conjunction used in comparisons.

In that case; therefore

Used in expressions of excess.

At that time

Than is a grammatical particle analyzed as both a conjunction and a preposition in the English language. It introduces a comparison and is associated with comparatives and with words such as more, less, and fewer.

Next in time, space, or order; immediately afterward

Introducing the second element in a comparison

In addition; moreover; besides

Used in expressions introducing an exception or contrast

Used after but to qualify or balance a preceding statement

Used in expressions indicating one thing happening immediately after another

In that case; accordingly

Introducing the second element in a comparison

As a consequence; therefore

Used in expressions introducing an exception or contrast

Usage Problem And after that

Used in expressions indicating one thing happening immediately after another

That time or moment

Used after a comparative adjective or adverb to introduce the second element or clause of an unequal comparison

Being so at that time

Used to introduce the second element after certain words indicating difference

(temporal location) At that time.

When. Used especially after hardly and scarcely

(temporal location) Soon afterward.

In comparison or contrast with

(sequence) Next in order of place.

Used in comparisons, to introduce the basis of comparison.

In addition; also; besides.

Because; for.

(conjunctive) In that case.

Introduces a comparison, and is associated with comparatives, and with words such as more, less, and fewer. Typically, it seeks to measure the force of an adjective or similar description between two predicates.

(sequence) At the same time; on the other hand.

At that time; then.

Used to contradict an assertion.

A particle expressing comparison, used after certain adjectives and adverbs which express comparison or diversity, as more, better, other, otherwise, and the like. It is usually followed by the object compared in the nominative case. Sometimes, however, the object compared is placed in the objective case, and than is then considered by some grammarians as a preposition. Sometimes the object is expressed in a sentence, usually introduced by that; as, I would rather suffer than that you should want.

Being so at that time.

Then. See Then.

That time

Obsolete spelling of than

At that time (referring to a time specified, either past or future).

Soon afterward, or immediately; next; afterward.

At another time; later; again.

Than.

In that case; in consequence; as a consequence; therefore; for this reason.

That time; that moment;

At a specific prior time;

Subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors);

In that case or as a consequence;

At that time;

Refers to a specific time in the past or future.

Indicates what comes next or afterward in a sequence.

Used to emphasize a result or consequence.

Refers to considering a particular fact.

To indicate a point in time or a sequence of events.

No, they serve different purposes in sentences.

Not necessarily. It can refer to the past, future, or sequence of events.

No, "Than" is primarily a conjunction.

Rarely, but it primarily indicates sequence or time.

Mostly, as it's primarily used to highlight differences or preferences.

Generally, yes, as it highlights the relationship between them.

Yes, they sound alike but have different meanings and uses.

No, "Than" doesn't relate to time.

Rarely, but it can mean "that time," e.g., "Since then, she's been cautious."

Not always, but often it is used with comparative forms.

Think "Then" for time and "Than" for comparison.

Yes, e.g., "If it rains, then we won't go out."

Yes, e.g., "If you don't study, then you won't pass."

Largely, yes. It juxtaposes entities in terms of quality, quantity, or degree.