Then vs. Than: Examples & When To Use Each
- spencer655
- Apr 12
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
If you’ve ever typed than when you meant then (or the other way around), you’re not alone. These two words are easy to confuse, but they serve totally different purposes. This guide breaks down when to use each then vs than, with examples and tricks to remember them.
Then vs. Than Examples
More than
She has more than five stickers.
Than is used for comparisons.
Better than
This lunch is better than yesterday’s.
We use than to compare two things.
Rather than
I’d rather stay home than go out.
Again, than helps compare two choices.
If then / if than
If you eat your vegetables, then you can have dessert.
❌ If you eat your vegetables, than you can have dessert is incorrect.
Then is used for what happens next or as a result.
When to Use Then or Than?
Here’s the breakdown:
Word | Use for… | Example |
Then | Time, sequence, consequence | We ate dinner, then watched a movie. |
Than | Comparisons | She’s taller than I am. |
Think of then like a timeline. Think of than like a measuring stick.
How to Remember Then and Than?
Mnemonic trick:
• Then has an e like event (things that happen).
• Than has an a like compare.
Try saying this out loud:
“If you’re comparing, use than. If you’re ordering events, use then.”
Another tip:
“I’d rather eat cake than broccoli — then I’ll be happy.”
Do You Say “OK then” or “OK than”?
✅ OK then is correct.
“OK then” means “alright” or “fine” in response to something.
A: I guess I’ll go.
B: OK then. See you later!
OK than is never correct in this context.
Than Is for Comparing, Then Is for Timing
It’s a small difference—just one letter—but than and then serve completely different roles in a sentence. Remember:
• Use than when you’re making a comparison.
• Use then when you’re talking about what happens next.
Whether you’re teaching this to students or brushing up yourself, the key is spotting the context: Are you comparing? Use than. Are you talking about time or consequence? Use then.
Once you get it down, your writing will be clearer, stronger—and yes—better than ever.
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