The difference between then and than, English Vocabulary

"Then" and "than" are two commonly confused words in the English language, as they sound similar but have different meanings and uses.

The difference between then and than

"Then" is an adverb that refers to a specific point in time or a sequence of events. It can also be used to indicate a consequence or result.

Examples:

• I will meet you at the restaurant at 7 pm, and then we will go to the movie theatre.
• If you study hard, then you will pass the exam.
• Back then, I used to live in New York City.

"Than" is a conjunction used to compare two things, indicating that one thing is different, greater, or lesser than the other.

Examples:

• This book is longer than the other one.
• She is taller than her brother.
• I would rather have pizza than sushi.

One way to remember the difference between "then" and "than" is to think of "then" as referring to time or a sequence of events, while "than" is used to make comparisons. Another helpful tip is to remember that "than" includes the letters "a" and "n", just like "comparison".

In summary, "then" is used to refer to a specific point in time or a sequence of events, or to indicate a consequence or result, while "than" is used to make comparisons. By understanding the difference between these two words, you can use them correctly and effectively in your writing.