Than vs Then — Difference Explained
than vs then: Than is for comparisons. Then refers to time or sequence.
Verdict at a Glance
- Key difference: Than is for comparisons. Then refers to time or sequence.
- Memory tip: ThAN = compArisoN. ThEN = whEN (time).
- Best for: SAT test-takers preparing for Sentence Equivalence, Text Completion, Words-in-Context, and academic writing tasks where than and then are easily confused.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | than | then |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | conjunction/preposition | adverb |
| Definition | Used in comparisons | At that time; next; in that case |
| Example sentence | She is taller than her brother. | We ate dinner, then watched a movie. |
| Synonyms | compared to, in comparison with | afterward, subsequently, next |
Memory Tip
ThAN = compArisoN. ThEN = whEN (time).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'then' in comparisons (should be 'than')
- Mixing up in quick writing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between than and then?
Than is for comparisons. Then refers to time or sequence.
What does than mean?
Used in comparisons
What does then mean?
At that time; next; in that case
How can I remember the difference between than and then?
ThAN = compArisoN. ThEN = whEN (time).
What are common mistakes with than and then?
Using 'then' in comparisons (should be 'than') Mixing up in quick writing
Which is better for SAT: than or then?
Both than and then appear in SAT reading and writing contexts. Knowing both — and the precise difference between them — is what test-makers reward, since they often appear as distractors for one another in Sentence Equivalence and Words-in-Context questions.