Then or Than: Which Is Correct?

Updated 2026-10-03 · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Quick answer: If you are wondering which word to use, the answer depends entirely on your sentence structure. Use then when discussing time or order. Use than when comparing two different things or quantities. Knowing this distinction prevents embarrassing errors in your writing.

The Short Answer

Then is about time, while than is for comparisons. This simple rule covers every correct usage you will encounter in standard English writing.

People often confuse these words because they sound almost identical. When speaking quickly, the distinction disappears, leading writers to guess which spelling fits their text.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Form	Status	Use it when
Then	Correct	Talking about time, sequence, or consequences
Than	Correct	Comparing two items, amounts, or qualities
Thans	Incorrect	Never use this plural form
Thens	Incorrect	Never use this plural form

Correct Example Sentences

We went to the movies, then we had dinner.
She is taller than her brother.
First chop the onions, then saute them.
I would rather stay home than go out.
At that time, the city was much smaller.
Nothing is more important than your health.
He finished his work, then he left the office.
This puzzle is harder than the last one.
If you study hard, then you will pass.
I prefer tea than coffee in the morning.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

I like apples than oranges.: I like apples more than oranges.
We will leave than come back.: We will leave then come back.
She is smarter then him.: She is smarter than him.
First wash the car then dry it.: First wash the car, then dry it.
It is better to run than walk.: It is better to run than to walk.
He arrived late then left early.: He arrived late, then left early.

A Quick Test You Can Use

Try replacing the word with at that time. If the sentence still makes sense, use then. If you are comparing two things, try replacing it with compared to. If that works, use than.

Related Word Pairs

To, Too, Two: Use to for direction, too for also, two for the number.
Your, Youre: Use your for possession, youre for you are.
Their, There, Theyre: Use their for possession, there for place, theyre for they are.
Its, Its: Use its for possession, its for it is.
Effect, Affect: Use affect as a verb, effect as a noun.

More Example Sentences

Please submit the report by Friday, then we can review it together.
The blue dress is more elegant than the red one.
First we mix the dry ingredients, then we add the wet ones.
She runs faster than anyone on the team.
We packed our bags, then we drove to the airport.
It is wiser to save money than to spend it all at once.
The first chapter ends, then the second begins.
He is older than his twin brother by a few minutes.
We will finish the project, then we will celebrate.
Nothing tastes better than fresh bread from the oven.

Quick Practice

I would rather read a book watch television.

than

We visited the museum, we had lunch downtown.

then

This puzzle is more difficult the previous one.

than

First you boil the water, you add the pasta.

then

She is much taller her sister.

than

After the rain stopped, the sun came out.

then

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I use then instead of than?

Use then when you are talking about time, sequence, or what happens next. It acts as an adverb that connects events in a specific order or timeline.

Is it then or than in comparisons?

It is always than in comparisons. Whenever you are measuring one thing against another, such as height, speed, or preference, you must use the word than.

Can then and than be used in the same sentence?

Yes, you can use both in one sentence if the context requires it. For example, you might compare two items and then describe what happened after that comparison.

Why do people mix up then and than?

They sound nearly identical in speech, especially when talking quickly. This phonetic similarity causes many writers to guess the spelling without considering the grammatical function of the word.