other then (other than)

"Other then" is almost always a mistake. Below are clear rules, quick checks, and copy-ready rewrites you can paste into emails, essays, or messages.

Examples emphasize the difference so you can spot and fix the error fast.

Quick answer

"Other then" is incorrect when you mean an exception or contrast. Use "other than." "Then" refers to time or sequence.

"Other than" = exception or contrast (I have no hobbies other than reading).
"Then" = time or sequence (We left, then we arrived).
If you can replace the phrase with "except" and the sentence still makes sense, use "than."

Core grammar: why "other than" is correct

"Than" signals comparison or exception; "other than" means "except for" or "apart from." "Then" indicates time, order, or consequence, so it doesn't mark exceptions.

Use "other than" to exclude or contrast: I read everything other than romance novels.
Use "then" for sequence or result: Finish your homework, then you can watch TV.

Wrong: I don't want anyone other then my partner to see this.
Right: I don't want anyone other than my partner to see this.
Wrong: Other then that, the schedule is fine.
Right: Other than that, the schedule is fine.
Wrong (time): We'll finish the report other then we'll send it.
Right: We'll finish the report, then we'll send it.

Hyphenation: when (if ever) to hyphenate

Write two words in most cases: "other than." Hyphenate only when the phrase is a compound modifier placed before a noun to prevent misreading.

Correct as modifier: an other-than-expected delay.
Standard elsewhere: The delay was other than expected.
Never use "otherthen" as one word.

Spacing and common typos

Three common slips: no space ("otherthen"), using "other then" when you mean "other than," and using "then" instead of "than." A quick search for both spellings finds them.

Search for "otherthen" and "other then" in your draft.
Read the sentence aloud: if it sounds like an exception, use "than."

Wrong: She typed otherthen as a typo.
Right: She typed other than as a typo.
Wrong: I'll call you other then if anything changes.
Right (exception): I'll call you other than if anything changes. (This sentence is awkward-see next.)
Right (time): I'll call you then if anything changes.

Real usage: formal vs casual tone

"Other than" works in formal and informal writing. Tone guides your choice of synonyms: "except" or "apart from" fits formal contexts; "besides" or "aside from" sounds conversational.

Formal: prefer "other than" or "except" for clarity and precision.
Casual: "besides" and "aside from" feel friendlier in speech.

Work - Formal: Other than the budget constraints, the proposal meets our requirements.
Work - Alternative: Except for the budget, the proposal is ready.
School - Neutral: Other than the introduction, the essay needs more evidence.
Casual: Other than pizza, what should we order for the party?

Try your own sentence

Test the whole sentence, not just the phrase. Context makes the correct choice clear.

Examples you can copy: work, school, and casual

Templates and wrong/right pairs you can adapt. Each correct example uses "other than."

Wrong: Other then the budget, the team approved the timeline.
Work - Right: Other than the budget, the team approved the timeline.
Work - Usage: Other than Sarah's input, we haven't received any feedback.
Work - Usage: There are no outstanding issues other than the vendor delay.
School - Usage: Other than the introduction, the essay needs more evidence.
School - Usage: Other than math, she's doing well in all her subjects.
School - Usage: I have no assignments other than the lab report.
Wrong: Other then John, everyone agreed.
Casual - Right: Other than John, everyone agreed.
Casual - Usage: Other than his jokes, the party was great.
Wrong: She eats nothing other then vegetables.
Casual - Right: She eats nothing other than vegetables.

Rewrite help: quick fixes you can paste

Choose a fix based on tone and intent. If the phrase marks an exception, use "other than." If it marks time, use "then."

Checklist: (1) Does it indicate an exception? → "other than." (2) Is it about time/sequence? → "then." (3) Match synonyms to tone.

Original: Other then the budget, the project is fine.
Formal rewrite: Other than the budget, the project is fine.
Formal alt: Except for the budget, the project is on track.
Conversational alt: Aside from the budget, the project looks good.
Original: I don't like other then horror movies.
Fixed: I don't like anything other than horror movies.
Original (time error): He'll call other then he arrives.
Fixed (time): He'll call then he arrives.

A memory trick that actually works

Swap "except" for "than." If the sentence still makes sense, use "than" ("other than"). If the sentence is about time or order, use "then."

"Then" = time/sequence (think "next").
"Than" = comparison/exception (try replacing with "except").

Test 1: I have no hobbies other than reading. → I have no hobbies except reading. (works → use "than")
Test 2: If it's raining, then we'll cancel. → If it's raining, except we'll cancel. (fails → use "then")

Similar mistakes and close choices

"Other than" and "except" often overlap; "aside from" and "besides" are more conversational. Notice subtle tone differences: "except" is firmer; "besides" can imply addition rather than exclusion.

Use "except" for short, formal exclusions: No one except John attended.
Use "besides" or "aside from" to introduce alternatives casually: Besides coffee, would you like tea?
Avoid "other then"-it mixes the wrong word into exception contexts.

Except (formal): No one except John attended the meeting.
Casual - Besides: Besides cake, what else should we bring?
Wrong: Other then cake, what else should we bring?
Right: Other than cake, what else should we bring?

FAQ

Is "other then" ever correct?

No. "Other then" is a mistaken pairing. Use "other than" for exceptions or contrast and "then" alone for time or sequence.

Can I write "other-than" with a hyphen?

Hyphenate when the phrase acts as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., other-than-expected results). Otherwise, use two words: "other than."

Is "except" the same as "other than"?

Often yes for exclusions. "Except" is shorter and can sound slightly more formal, but both commonly work.

How do I remember whether to use then or than?

Mnemonic: then = time/sequence ("next"); than = comparison/exception (try replacing with "except").

My spell checker flags "other then" - should I accept the suggestion?

Usually accept the suggestion to change to "other than," but double-check that the sentence isn't about time. Read the sentence aloud or perform the "except" swap to be sure.

Want a quick check?

When unsure, substitute "except" to test for "than" versus "then." Combine that habit with a quick search for the two common typos and a rewrite from the examples above to fix "other then" instantly.