What is the Difference Between Then and Than?

The words "then" and "than" are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation. However, they have different meanings and uses in language:

• Than: This word is used for comparisons to show who or what something is compared against. For example, "cats are smarter than dogs". It is also a conjunction used to introduce the second part of an unequal comparison and can mean "except" or "when".
• Then: This word is used to show time, as in "at that time" or "after that happened". It often functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

To remember the difference, focus on the letters that are different – 'a' and 'e'. Than is used for comparison, and both "than" and "comparison" have the letter 'a' in their spellings. Then is used for time, and both "then" and "time" have the letter 'e' in their spellings.

Comparative Table: Then vs Than

The words "then" and "than" are commonly confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation. However, they have different meanings and uses in language. Here is a table summarizing the differences between "then" and "than":

"Then" is typically an adverb, but it can also be used as a noun meaning "that time" and as an adjective referring to a previous status. On the other hand, "than" is used to express comparison, usually functioning as a conjunction, but sometimes as a preposition.