Then vs. Than

Then

• “Then” answers the question, “When?” It can replace “next.”

Than

• “Than” makes a comparison with “more” or “less” or a comparative form of an adjective.

Comparative examples:

• First, we pick the apples. Then we bake a pie.
  • (“then” = after we pick the apples)
• Henry has more than five horses but less than ten.
  • (“than” = comparison of numbers)
• If we have enough money, then we can go to the show.
  • (“then” = after we check to see if we have enough money)
• Samantha is taller than Henrietta.
  • (“than” = comparison of height)
• They didn’t know what to do then.
  • (“then” = next, after that)
• I’ll bet I can eat more ice cream than you can.
  • (“than” = comparison)

Credits: Photo by Kelly Sikkema, Photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash