When ought to we use then vs. than? Even native English audio system combine up these two widespread phrases, that are pronounced primarily the identical in quick spoken English! Nevertheless, they’ve completely different meanings within the English language, so it’s essential use the proper phrase when writing. Let’s be taught the distinction between then and than with examples.

Than: Grammar & Examples

Than is used after comparative adjectives:

• I’m older than my brother.
• A automotive is quicker than a bicycle.
• I realized extra from my dad and mom than I realized from my lecturers.

Listed below are ten extra examples with than – discover how every sentence compares two issues:

• I’d somewhat go for a stroll within the park than keep indoors all day.
• He’s taller than his youthful sister.
• It’s higher to be protected than sorry.
• A home is costlier than an condominium.
• He has extra expertise on this area than anybody else.
• It’s colder right this moment than it was yesterday.
• I discover listening to English simpler than talking in English.
• She is extra all in favour of artwork than sports activities.
• It’s simpler mentioned than finished.
• I’d somewhat take the bus than drive in heavy visitors.

We will specific our preferences with “I’d somewhat” or “I’d somewhat” as within the first and final examples!

Much more instance sentences with than

Then: Grammar & Examples

Then is utilized in a number of methods:

1. To explain the following occasion in a sequence or in time (usually “after which”):

• I completed my homework, and then I went to mattress.
• Let’s have dinner first, and then we will watch a film.
• She studied for the take a look at, and then she took a break.
• He cleaned the home, and then he went grocery purchasing.
• I want to complete this report, and then I can assessment your paperwork.

2. To imply “at the moment” – might be previously or future. Typically used with earlier than/after/till/again:

• Come to my home at 7:30, I’ll be prepared then.
  (then = at the moment)
• Let’s meet on the restaurant at 7 p.m. When you’re operating late, please let me know earlier than then.
• I’ll be busy till 3 p.m., however after then, I’ll be out there for a gathering.
• I’m happening trip subsequent week, and till then, I want to complete all my pending duties.
• I used to be in actually good condition in highschool; I may run a mile in seven minutes again then!

Generally “then” refers to a precise time (as within the “I’ll be busy till 3 p.m.” sentence), however in different instances it refers to a normal time interval (as within the final sentence in regards to the years I used to be highschool).

3. To imply “in that case” – usually used with “if”:

• When you don’t have some other plans, then we will exit for dinner tonight.
• If it’s going to rain tomorrow, then we should always reschedule the hike.
• You wish to borrow my automotive? Then you’ll have to refill the gasoline tank.
• When you’re not feeling effectively, then it’s best to keep residence and relaxation.
• You forgot your pockets? Then I assume I’ll need to pay for the film tickets.

Much more examples of then in a sentence

Pronunciation of Than and Then

In spoken English, these phrases usually sound precisely the identical!

Hear to those two instance sentences:

• I’m older than my brother.
• First we went to the shop, and then we went to the submit workplace.

Frequent Collocations & Expressions with Then and Than

If you be taught English phrases, it’s additionally good to check some widespread expressions with them – since we don’t use phrases in isolation; we at all times use them in phrases! Let’s be taught common phrases with these two phrases:

Frequent collocations with than embody:

sooner than / later than

• My alarm goes off at 8AM; I don’t wish to get up any sooner than that.
• Our 12-year-old son is allowed to remain up later than our 5-year-old daughter.

Be taught extra in regards to the phrases no sooner than / no later than

somewhat than

Fairly than means one thing like “as an alternative of” or “not”:

• You must do one thing about the issue somewhat than complaining about it.
  (= as an alternative of complaining about it)
• He desires to be a trainer somewhat than a businessman when he grows up.
  (= not a businessman)

apart from

Apart from means “besides” or “in addition to / as well as”:

• I’ve an English class at 7PM. Apart from that, I’ve no plans for the day.
  (= I’ve no plans aside from the English class)
• She speaks three completely different languages apart from English.
  (= along with English)

higher than / worse than

We use these to match issues by way of being good or unhealthy:

• The second film was higher than the primary – it was extra thrilling.
• Sorry I’m so late. The visitors was even worse than common.

Be taught why we by no means say “extra higher”

Find out about worse vs. worst

greater than / lower than

We use greater than and lower than to match portions:

• She makes $50K/yr and I make greater than her – about $65K/yr.
• The journey to the airport takes lower than an hour by practice.

Frequent phrases with then embody:

effectively then!

This phrase expresses shock; in response to somebody saying or doing one thing surprising or stunning.

“I’ve by no means actually favored you.”
“Effectively then! If that’s how you are feeling, we shouldn’t be pals anymore.”

from time to time

Now and again means “often”:

• I don’t go to the mall usually; I cease by from time to time when there’s nothing else to do.

see you then!

We are saying “see you then!” after we’ve made plans to satisfy up with somebody at a particular time:

“The pageant begins at 1, so come on over to my home at 12:30 and we’ll go collectively.”
“OK, see you then!“

then once more

We are saying then once more to introduce a contrasting thought or reverse viewpoint.

• I’d love to purchase a brand new automotive. Then once more, the automotive now we have nonetheless works simply wonderful.

proper then and there

Proper then and there is an off-the-cuff method to say “in that actual place and time.”

• After Peter confirmed up an hour late to work, the boss fired him proper then and there.

even then

Even then means one thing like “despite” – when one thing nonetheless occurs although there are issues that go in opposition to it.

• I offered ten completely different causes this was a foul concept, however even then, he wouldn’t change his thoughts.

Now you already know when to make use of then vs. than, so that you received’t make errors with these two phrases that sound alike, however have completely different meanings! And also you’ve additionally realized some widespread phrases with then and than – attempt to make your individual instance sentences utilizing these.

The English language has much more complicated phrases – you may be taught extra than 600 of them in my e-book!