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Getting confused between 'than' and 'then' in comparison sentences—help needed!

Asked bySam SentencePosted Mar 25, 2026 8:11 PM3 answers14 upvotesCanonical URL

Hi everyone,

I'm writing an essay for my English class, and I keep getting stuck on when to use 'than' and when to use 'then.' For example, in my sentences, should it be 'She is taller than me' or 'She is taller then me'? And also, which is correct: 'First we went to the store, than we went home' or 'First we went to the store, then we went home'?

I'm not sure if I'm using the right word in each case. Can someone explain the difference, or give me a tip for remembering which one to use?

Context:
I'm preparing for the TOEFL and want to avoid common grammar mistakes.

#word-choice

What to Know

Question You Likely Still HaveDirect AnswerHow To Apply It
What is the core rule for getting confused between comparison?Tip for TOEFL: When editing your writing, underline each use of 'than' and 'then'—then check if you’re using the correct one based on these patterns.Here's a clear pattern to help you decide: Use 'than' for comparisons (showing difference between two things).
How do I apply getting confused between comparison in a sentence like mine?Here's a clear pattern to help you decide: Use 'than' for comparisons (showing difference between two things).Examples: "My results were better than yours." (Comparison) "We finished the project, then we celebrated." (Sequence) Self-check: When you want to compare, ask yourself: "Am I sho…
What mistakes should I avoid with getting confused between comparison?Examples: "My results were better than yours." (Comparison) "We finished the project, then we celebrated." (Sequence) Self-check: When you want to compare, ask yourself: "Am I sho…Use 'then' to show sequence (what happens next in time).

3 Answers

ByCoach LeeMar 25, 2026 8:31 PM9 upvotesAccepted answer

Here's a clear pattern to help you decide:

  • Use 'than' for comparisons (showing difference between two things).
  • Use 'then' to show sequence (what happens next in time).

Examples:

  • "My results were better than yours." (Comparison)
  • "We finished the project, then we celebrated." (Sequence)

Self-check:
When you want to compare, ask yourself: "Am I showing difference (use 'than') or order/time (use 'then')?" Try making your own examples for both patterns to reinforce the distinction.

Tip for TOEFL: When editing your writing, underline each use of 'than' and 'then'—then check if you’re using the correct one based on these patterns.

ByClaire CopydeskMar 25, 2026 9:11 PM3 upvotes

A useful trick is to remember:

  • 'Than' has an 'A' for "A comparison".
  • 'Then' has an 'E' for "EvEnt sEquEncE".

Examples:

  • "Alex runs faster than Jamie." (Comparison)
  • "We ate, then we left." (Sequence of events)

Practice:
Underline every 'than' or 'then' in your essay. Above each, write 'C' for comparison or 'S' for sequence. If 'than' doesn’t have a 'C,' double-check and correct it.

ByMaya ModeratorMar 25, 2026 8:51 PM2 upvotes

It helps to see both words in similar sentences:

  • 'Than' is for comparing: "This test is harder than the last one."
  • 'Then' is for what comes next: "First, I studied; then, I took the test."

Practice:
Write two sentences:

  1. Compare something using 'than'.
  2. Describe a sequence using 'then'.

After writing, swap 'than' and 'then' and read the sentences aloud—if they sound wrong, you've spotted the error and can fix it. This technique is especially useful when proofreading essays.

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