comparisons NNS then (than)

Then and than sound the same but have different jobs: then = time, sequence, or result; than = comparison. Read the quick rules, use the substitution tests, and copy the rewrite templates and paired examples to fix sentences fast.

Quick answer

Use than for comparisons (larger than, rather than, less than). Use then for time, order, or consequence (after that; first A, then B; if X, then Y).

Than = comparison. Example: She is taller than I am.
Then = time/sequence/consequence. Example: Finish dinner, then wash the dishes.
Fast test: replace with "compared to" (→ than) or "after that/at that time" (→ then).

Core explanation

Than links items in a comparison: degree, preference, or difference (more than, less than, rather than). Then marks time, sequence, or logical consequence (after that, next, therefore).

If "compared to" fits, use than.
If "after that" or "at that time" fits, use then.

Wrong → Right: He is smarter then his classmates. → He is smarter than his classmates.
Wrong → Right: Finish the design, than send it to QA. → Finish the design, then send it to QA.
Wrong → Right: She arrived then I expected. → She arrived later than I expected.

Quick diagnosis: a 3-step checklist

Run these checks in order when you're unsure.

Step 1: Is the sentence comparing things? Try "compared to"-if it works, use than.
Step 2: Is it showing when or what comes next? Try "after that"-if it works, use then.
Step 3: Read the full sentence out loud. When in doubt for formal writing, correct it before sending.

Example: "I'd prefer coffee then tea." Test "compared to" → awkward. Test "after that" → wrong. Correct: "I'd prefer coffee to tea" or "I'd prefer coffee rather than tea."

Six quick wrong → right pairs

Common slips you can copy and paste.

Wrong: He is smarter then his classmates. →
Right: He is smarter than his classmates.
Wrong: If it rains then the game is canceled. →
Right: If it rains, then the game is canceled.
Wrong: I would rather go out then stay home. →
Right: I would rather go out than stay home.
Wrong: She left early then catch the first train. →
Right: She left early, then caught the first train.
Wrong: The new model is cheaper then the old one. →
Right: The new model is cheaper than the old one.
Wrong: First check the data than run the analysis. →
Right: First check the data, then run the analysis.

Work examples: emails, reports, instructions

Fixes with one improved rewrite where useful.

Wrong: Sales this quarter are higher then last quarter. →
Right: Sales this quarter are higher than last quarter.
Wrong: Run the migration than validate the results. →
Right: Run the migration, then validate the results.
Wrong: Our solution is more cost-effective then competitors. →
Right: Our solution is more cost-effective than competitors'.
Rewrite for clarity: Poor: "We'll finish QA then release." Better: "We'll finish QA, then release the build."

School examples: essays, lab reports, presentations

Academic writing favors precise comparisons and clear sequences.

Wrong: The sample reacted faster then expected. →
Right: The sample reacted faster than expected.
Wrong: Measure the pipette then add 5 mL of reagent. →
Right: Measure the pipette, then add 5 mL of reagent.
Wrong: Her argument is stronger then his. →
Right: Her argument is stronger than his.

Casual examples: texts and posts

Keep the tone casual but correct the word choice.

Wrong: I'd rather be sleeping then working. →
Right: I'd rather be sleeping than working.
Wrong: Went to lunch then came back. →
Right: Went to lunch, then came back.
Wrong: This playlist is better then the last one. →
Right: This playlist is better than the last one.

Memory trick

Then has an "e" for "event" (time or sequence). Than has an "a" like the "a" in "compare." If that helps, use it as a quick cue.

Rewrite help: copyable templates

Pick a template based on whether the sentence compares items (than) or sequences events (then).

Comparison templates (use than): "X is [comparative] than Y." "I prefer X rather than Y."
Sequence templates (use then): "First do A, then do B." "If X, then Y."
Preference fixes: use "prefer X to Y" or "prefer X over Y" instead of "prefer X than Y."

Original: My phone is nicer then yours. →
Rewrite: My phone is nicer than yours.
Original: I'll write the summary then send it. →
Rewrite: I'll write the summary, then send it.
Original: I'd rather stay in then go out. →
Rewrite: I'd rather stay in than go out.

Spacing, punctuation, and hyphenation pitfalls

These issues often look like grammar errors but are formatting choices that affect clarity.

Spacing: Put one space after commas and between words. Wrong: "I prefer coffee,than tea." Better: "I prefer coffee to tea."
Comma with then: Use a comma when "then" follows an introductory clause: "If the test passes, then merge the code." In quick imperatives you can omit the comma: "Run the test then merge."
Hyphenation: Prefer "better than expected" over "better-than-expected" unless a specific style guide requires the hyphen.

Wrong: If approved then ship tomorrow. →
Right: If approved, then ship tomorrow.

Similar mistakes to watch for

Short, common words are often mixed up. Use substitution tests and read aloud.

their / there / they're - test for possession, place, or "they are."
your / you're - substitute "you are" to check.
to / too / two - "too" means "also" or "excessively"; "to" is a preposition or infinitive marker.
Prefer constructions: use "prefer X to Y" or "prefer X over Y," not "prefer X than Y."

Wrong: I prefer apples than oranges. →
Right: I prefer apples to oranges.
Wrong: Their going to the meeting then. →
Right: They're going to the meeting then. (Or "Their meeting notes are attached" for possession.)

FAQ

Can "than" ever mean time?

No. "Than" is for comparisons only. Use "then" for time, order, or consequence.

Should I always use a comma before "then" in conditionals?

Use a comma when "then" follows an introductory conditional clause ("If X, then Y"). In short directives the comma can be optional, but it often improves clarity.

Is "rather than" required after "prefer"?

Formal usage: "prefer X to Y." "Rather than" appears in constructions like "I chose to walk rather than drive." Avoid "prefer X than Y."

How do I stop typing "then" when I mean "than"?

Quickly apply the substitution test as you type: try "compared to" and "after that." A text replacement or grammar checker can also catch repeated mistakes.

Are spoken mistakes forgiven?

In speech, listeners use context and pronunciation is often identical. In writing, correct usage matters for clarity and credibility-fix it in emails, reports, and submissions.

Need a quick second look?

Paste one or two suspect sentences into a grammar tool or apply the substitution tests and a rewrite template. After a few fixes, the correction becomes automatic.