Than vs Then

Than is used for comparison and Then is used in most other cases, especially when used in the context of time or the order in which events occur.

Comparison chart

edit Definition 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. 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.

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. 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.

edit Related Articles

• Affect vs Effect
• Envy vs Jealousy
• Advice vs Advise
• Principal vs Principle

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

Anonymous comments

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

98.110.78.58 on 2011-10-18 15:15:14