Short answer
‘Then’ relates to time, order, or consequence, while ‘than’ introduces a comparison. ‘Then’ answers questions about when or what happens next; ‘than’ connects things being compared. Their grammatical roles and meanings are distinct in standard usage. 1 2 3
Though ‘then’ and ‘than’ are pronounced similarly, ‘then’ signals time or result, while ‘than’ expresses comparison; they serve different grammatical functions and are not interchangeable.
On this page
At a glance
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| Question | then | than |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | Time, sequence, consequence | Comparison, difference |
| Typical word class | Adverb, noun, adjective | Conjunction, preposition |
The table summarizes the stated definitions and scope. 1 2 3
What each thing is
Then. In contemporary US English, ‘then’ most often marks a time, sequence, or consequence, functioning as an adverb, noun, or adjective to indicate when something happens or what follows next. 1 2
Than. ‘Than’ is primarily used as a conjunction or preposition to introduce the second element in a comparison, showing difference, preference, or exception between two things or actions. 1 3
Key differences
The core distinction is that ‘then’ deals with time or consequence, while ‘than’ introduces comparisons. This axis—sequence versus comparison—separates their primary functions in sentences. 1
How to tell them apart
To test which to use, ask if the sentence involves a comparison (‘than’) or timing/order/result (‘then’). This works for most cases, but some set phrases or idioms may require memorization. 1 2 3
Where they overlap
There is no functional overlap; the words only sound similar and differ by one letter in spelling. Their meanings and grammatical roles do not intersect in standard usage. 1
Edge cases
Some phrases, like ‘no sooner…than,’ use ‘than’ to indicate immediate sequence, which can blur the time/comparison line. However, ‘than’ still signals a comparison of timing. 1
Why the distinction exists
The difference arises from their linguistic roles: ‘then’ evolved to mark time or consequence, while ‘than’ developed as a marker of comparison. Their forms are similar due to historical roots, but their functions diverged. 2 3
Common misconceptions
A common misconception is that ‘then’ and ‘than’ are interchangeable because they sound alike. In reality, using one for the other changes the meaning or makes the sentence ungrammatical. 1
Examples
Compare: ‘We ate dinner, then watched a movie.’ versus ‘We liked the movie more than the dinner.’ The first shows sequence with ‘then’; the second compares preferences using ‘than.’ 1 2 3
Sources
Sources checked October 3, 2026.
- Merriam-Webster — Then vs. Than - What’s the Difference?. Usage guide: definitions, examples and exceptions.
- Merriam-Webster — Then Definition & Meaning. Dictionary entry: definitions, usage examples and word history.
- Merriam-Webster — Than Definition & Meaning. Dictionary entry: definitions, usage examples and word history.