Understanding the Basics: ‘Then’ and ‘Than’
Many language learners find themselves puzzled by the English words then and than, often used incorrectly due to their similar pronunciation. It is essential to grasp the usage of these words to communicate effectively. In this article, we delve into when and how to use each term correctly, providing clarity on the difference between then and than.
The Role of ‘Then’ in Sentences
Then is mainly used to denote time. It is often employed when talking about a sequence of events or when referring to a certain time. When thinking about then or than, if the sentence refers to ‘when’ something happened, the correct word to use is ‘then’.
- If you finish your work, then you can watch TV.
- I went to the store, then I stopped by the bank.
- Back then, we didn’t have smartphones.
Comparisons with ‘Than’
The word than comes into play when making comparisons. It is used to compare one thing to another. If your sentence indicates that something is more, less, better, worse, or different compared to another thing, than is the word you’re looking for.
- I am taller than my brother.
- This book is more interesting than the last one I read.
- She performed better than she did last time.
Tips to Avoid Confusion with ‘Then vs Than’
To clear up any uncertainty between then vs than, remember: use ‘then’ when referring to time, and ‘than’ when making a comparison. One trick is to associate the ‘e’ in ‘then’ and ‘time’ for chronological order, and the ‘a’ in ‘than’ and ‘comparison’ for noting differences.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Some learners pose common questions like, “Is it different than or then what I thought?” In this case, ‘than’ is correct as it introduces a comparison. Here are more examples addressing frequently asked questions:
Do you use ‘then’ or ‘than’ after ‘different’?
The correct word is ‘than’ as it is often used in comparisons:
- This recipe tastes different than the one I’m used to.
How do you use ‘then’ correctly in a sentence?
‘Then’ should fit naturally when indicating sequence or time:
- First, preheat the oven, and then start mixing the ingredients.
Will it be ‘than I’ or ‘then I’ in comparative sentences?
When making comparisons, ‘than’ is always the correct choice:
- He is taller than I am.
Exercise Proper Usage with Examples
Nothing beats practice when mastering language skills. Let’s look at a few more sentences to cement the difference between then and than:
- Correct: I’d rather jog than walk.
- Incorrect: I’d rather jog then walk.
- Correct: We will discuss the budget, and then well make a decision.
- Incorrect: We will discuss the budget, and than well make a decision.
Question-based Examples
Here are some examples to clarify any doubts that might arise while deciding whether to use than or then:
- Is it “no later than tomorrow” or “no later then tomorrow”? Correct: no later than tomorrow.
- Do we say “he left then I did” or “he left than I did”? Correct: he left then I did.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the use of then vs than can significantly improve your written and spoken English. Always consider the context: if it involves time or sequence, ‘then’ is your word; for comparisons, turn to ‘than’. With regular practice and the examples provided, you should be able to utilize these terms correctly and enhance your English grammar skills.
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