Than and then are often confused in English. Here is a short guide to when each word is used and the difference between them.
than
Than is mainly used as a preposition.
You use than after a comparative adjective or adverb in order to link two parts of a comparison.
The radio only weighs a few ounces and is smaller than a mobile phone.
You can also use than when you are stating a number, quantity, or value approximately by saying that it isabove or below another number, quantity, or value.
They talked on the phone for more than an hour.
Than is also used as a conjunction in order to link two parts of a contrast, for example in order to state a preference.
I would sooner give up sleep than miss my evening class.
then
Then is usually an adverb.
Then means at a particular time in the past or in the future.
The clinic opened for business last October and since then has treated more than 200 people.
You can also use then to say that one thing happens after another, or is after another on a list.
Add the oil and then the scallops to the pan, leaving a little space for the garlic.
We have to do a lot of reading, and then we have essays to write.
Then is often used in conversation.
‘I wasn’t a very good scholar at school.’—’What did you like doing best then?
I’ll talk to you on Friday anyway.’—’Yep. Okay then.’
Well then, I’ll put the kettle on and make us some tea.
To sum up, than is usually a preposition and is used in comparisons, and then is usually an adverb and is used to talk about time.
