Getting confused between 'than' and 'then' in comparison sentences—help needed!
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.
What to Know
| What to Know | Why It Matters | Example | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | Choose by intended meaning, then confirm the phrase sounds natural in context. | This wording is correct because it matches the intended meaning in context. | Can I explain why this form fits this sentence better than the alternative? |
| Writers often memorize a definition but miss the context cue that controls the correct choice. | This helps you choose wording by meaning instead of surface form. | A different phrasing is better when the literal meaning would be clearer. | Did I choose this form for meaning, not because it looked familiar? |
3 Answers
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.
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.
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:
- Compare something using 'than'.
- 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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