Than vs Then

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What is the correct usage: bigger then or bigger than? When the context is that of a comparison, use "than"; in most other cases, especially when used in the context of time or the order in which events occur, the correct usage is "then". An easy way to remember is that "when" correlates with "then" (i.e. it relates to time). Another is "Thank God, who is bigger than me."

Comparison chart

Improve this chart	Than	Then
Meaning:	Used for comparison	Related to time or the order in which things occur
Used as:	A conjunction or a preposition	An adverb, adjective, a noun or an idiom

Contents 1 Definitions and Usage of Then and Than 2 Video explaining the differences 3 See Also 4 References

edit Definitions and Usage of Then and Than

then

adverb

1. at that time: Prices were lower then.
2. immediately or soon afterward: The rain stopped and then started again.
3. next in order of time: We ate, then we started home.
4. at the same time: At first the water seemed blue, then gray.
5. next in order of place: Standing beside Charlie is my uncle, then my cousin, then my brother.
6. in addition; besides; also: I love my job, and then it pays so well.
7. in that case; as a consequence; in those circumstances: If you're sick, then you should stay in bed.
8. since that is so; as it appears; therefore: You have, then, found the mistake? You are leaving tonight then.

adjective

1. existing or being at the time indicated: the then prime minister.

noun

1. that time: We have not been back since then. Or Till then, farewell.

Idioms

1. but then, but on the other hand: I found their conversation very dull, but then I have different tastes.
2. then and there, at that precise time and place; at once; on the spot: I started to pack my things right then and there. Also, there and then.

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than

conjunction

1. (used, as after comparative adjectives and adverbs, to introduce the second member of an unequal comparison): She's taller than I am.
2. (used after some adverbs and adjectives expressing choice or diversity, such as other, otherwise, else, anywhere, or different, to introduce an alternative or denote a difference in kind, place, style, identity, etc.): I had no choice other than that. Or You won't find such freedom anywhere else than in this country.
3. (used to introduce the rejected choice in expressions of preference): I'd rather walk than drive there.
4. except; other than: We had no choice than to return home.
5. when: We had barely arrived than we had to leave again.

preposition

1. in relation to; by comparison with (usually fol. by a pronoun in the objective case): He is a person than whom I can imagine no one more courteous. Very rare and archaic usage.

edit Video explaining the differences

edit See Also

• Affect vs Effect
• Envy vs Jealousy
• Advice vs Advise
• Miss vs Ms
• Principal vs Principle
• Eminent vs Imminent

edit References

1. than. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved July 05, 2007
2. then. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved July 05, 2007

Comments: Than vs Then

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Anonymous comments

How about this: "If he forgave you then he is a bigger man than me."

67.✗.✗.142 on 2012-07-28 22:18:03

The EASIEST way to remember the difference is that 'then' rhymes with 'when', so you can refer it to the time sense.

64.✗.✗.222 on 2012-07-20 18:34:04

Wow this very helpful can you help with difference of a lot and alot

98.✗.✗.58 on 2011-10-18 15:15:14