Common Grammar Mistake: Rather/Other/Different Then (Than)

One frequently made error in English grammar is confusing the words 'then' and 'than'. Although they may sound similar, they have distinct meanings and uses.

Than

'Than' is a conjunction used for making comparisons. It is commonly used to show that one thing is greater, smaller, better, worse, or different from another.

For example:

• My sister is taller than me.
• I prefer coffee rather than tea.
• She is stronger than her brother.

Then

'Then' is often used as a temporal expression indicating time or the order of events. It is commonly used to show a sequence of actions or to express consequence or result.

For example:

• I will finish my work, and then I will go to the gym.
• If you study hard, then you will pass the exam.
• We went to the store, and then we went to the park.

Confusing 'then' and 'than' can lead to misinterpretation of the intended meaning and can result in a grammatically incorrect sentence.

By keeping in mind the difference between these two words, you can avoid this common mistake and improve the clarity of your writing. Lastly, using a grammar checker like Linguix can help you identify and correct such errors effortlessly, ensuring your writing is error-free and polished.