The words “then” and “than” are very commonly used in the English language, but because they sound so similar, they are often confused for each other. Speaking English like an American can be difficult—and even fluent English speakers have trouble discerning the difference between “then” and “than”! Below are a few tips to understand when to use the two words.
The word “then” is used to express time.
For example:
You’ll be back from your vacation in two weeks? I’ll see you then!
I’ll be in the office early tomorrow morning. Give me the forms then.
First, read your book. Then you can write your report.
The word “then” is very different than the word “than.”
“Than” is used in order to make comparisons.
For example:
He’s better at soccer than I am.
She understands the material more clearly than I do.
He is much older than me!
While the English language can be tricky sometimes, knowledge of commonly confused areas of English such as this can greatly improve English fluency for nonnative speakers.