Then vs Than: What Is the Difference?
Than is used for comparisons: taller than, rather than. Then is about time or sequence: first read, then write; if this, then that.
Updated 21 October 2026 · EssayWriting.com editorial team
- Than is for comparisons.
- Then is for time, sequence and consequence.
- Remember: than = comparison (a), then = when/next (e).
Then vs than: the difference at a glance
| Word | Used for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| than | comparison | This draft is clearer than the last one. |
| then | time, sequence, consequence | Outline first, then draft. If it fails, then revise. |
How to use than
Use than after comparative words (more, less, better, fewer, -er adjectives) and in rather than, other than.
- The second study had more participants than the first.
- I would rather edit than start again.
- Nothing other than the abstract was available.
- She writes faster than I do.
How to use then
Use then for what happens next, at that time, or as a result.
- Collect sources, then take notes.
- We lived in Leeds then.
- If the p-value is below 0.05, then you reject the null.
- Back then, few schools had computers.
How to remember the difference
Than has an a like comparison. Then has an e like when and next.
Tricky cases and exceptions
"Than me" or "than I"? Both appear in standard English. "She is taller than I (am)" is more formal; "taller than me" is common in speech. In essays, the formal version or a full clause ("than I am") is safest.
"Different than" is common in American English; "different from" is preferred in formal writing in both US and UK English.
"No sooner… than" uses than: "No sooner had we started than the power failed."
Then vs than in academic writing
Comparisons are central to analysis, so than appears constantly in essays ("more effective than", "less reliable than"). Make sure every comparison is complete: "Method A is more accurate" invites the question "than what?". Use then for logical steps, but avoid starting many sentences with "Then" in a process description; vary with "next", "after this" or "finally". See our compare and contrast essay guide.
Practice quiz
Choose the correct option, then open each answer to check your reasoning.
1. Plan your answer, ___ write it. (then / than)
then: sequence.
2. This source is more recent ___ that one. (then / than)
than: comparison.
3. I would rather revise ___ rewrite. (then / than)
than: "rather than".
4. If the result is significant, ___ report the effect size. (then / than)
then: consequence.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is it "rather then" or "rather than"?
Rather than.
Is it "more then" or "more than"?
More than: it is a comparison.
Is "different than" wrong?
It is common in American English, but "different from" is preferred in formal writing.
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