Eliminate this common confusion with one simple rule: time versus comparison. Master the distinction that will instantly elevate your writing precision.

The Fundamental Rule

• Then = Time, sequence, consequence
• Than = Comparison only

This single distinction solves 100% of then/than confusion.

Then: Time and Sequence

Then indicates when something happens or what happens next.

Temporal Uses

• First we'll eat, then we'll go shopping
• Back then, things were different
• Since then, I've learned a lot
• Now and then I think about it

Consequence/Result

• If you study hard, then you'll pass
• Finish your homework, then you can play
• Think first, then speak

Memory Device

THEN = Time, Happens, Event, Next

Than: Comparison Only

Than exclusively introduces comparisons between two or more things.

Direct Comparisons

• She's taller than her brother
• This costs more than that
• Better late than never
• I'd rather walk than drive

Preference Expressions

• Rather than complain, take action
• Other than that, everything's fine
• More often than not

Memory Device

THAN = THink About Numbers (comparing amounts)

Common Confusion Points

"Different Than" vs. "Different From"

• American: "Different than" (acceptable)
• British: "Different from" (preferred)
• Both are correct in modern usage

"No sooner...than"

This idiom always uses "than": "No sooner had I arrived than it started raining"

Quick Decision Test

1. Can you substitute "next" or "at that time"? → THEN
2. Are you comparing two things? → THAN
3. Can you substitute "compared to"? → THAN
4. Does it indicate sequence? → THEN

Practice Exercise

Choose the correct word:

1. She's smarter (then/than) she realizes.
2. Eat your vegetables, (then/than) dessert.
3. I'd rather sleep (then/than) go out tonight.
4. First comes love, (then/than) comes marriage.
5. Nothing is worse (then/than) being late.
6. If you insist, (then/than) I'll help.
7. More (then/than) 50 people attended.
8. Back (then/than), we didn't have smartphones.
9. She's younger (then/than) you think.
10. Finish this, (then/than) we'll talk.

Answer Key: 1. than, 2. then, 3. than, 4. then, 5. than, 6. then, 7. than, 8. then, 9. than, 10. then

Remember: Time = THEN, Comparison = THAN. It's simpler than you thought, and then you'll never confuse them again!