..., than, ... (then)

Than compares; then orders time, sequence, or result. Mix them up and sentences sound off or change meaning.

Below: quick cues, clear grammar, many copy/paste examples, and three fast rewrites you can drop into emails, essays, or chats.

Quick answer: comparison = than; time/sequence/result = then

Use than for comparisons. Use then for time, order, or consequence.

Than = comparison or contrast (She is taller than I).
Then = time or sequence (First call, then wait).
Substitution test: If "compared to" fits, use than. If "after that" or "at that time" fits, use then.

Core explanation

Than is a conjunction or preposition used to compare quantities, qualities, or choices: "faster than," "better than," "rather than." It often links two items or clauses: "She is taller than I (am)" or "I want coffee rather than tea."

Then is an adverb (or part of a phrase) that marks time, sequence, or consequence: "We ate, then left," or "If you study, then you'll pass." It can introduce the next step or the result.

Ambiguous pronouns: "I like you more than her" can confuse-rewrite to show whether you mean "more than I like her" or "more than she does."
Comma use: put a comma before then when it joins two independent clauses (We rehearsed, then we performed).
Spacing/hyphenation: neither word uses hyphens or special spacing-write them as single words.

Real usage: work, school, and casual examples

Work - Correct: "Our budget is smaller than last year's."
Wrong: "Our budget is smaller then last year's."
Work - Correct: "Finish the draft, then send it to the client."
Wrong: "Finish the draft, than send it to the client."
Work - Correct: "We prefer automation rather than manual checks for this task."
Wrong: "We prefer automation then manual checks."
School - Correct: "She scored higher than her classmates."
Wrong: "She scored higher then her classmates."
School - Correct: "Read chapter one, then complete the quiz."
Wrong: "Read chapter one, than complete the quiz."
School - Correct: "I'd rather revise than cram the night before."
Wrong: "I'd rather revise then cram the night before."
Casual - Correct: "Let's meet later than planned."
Wrong: "Let's meet later then planned."
Casual - Correct: "We'll grab coffee, then head to the park."
Wrong: "We'll grab coffee, than head to the park."
Casual - Correct: "I'd choose pizza rather than salad."
Wrong: "I'd choose pizza then salad."

Try your sentence

Test the whole sentence. Context often makes the right choice obvious.

Wrong vs right examples you can copy

Six quick pairs that show the typical slips and their fixes.

Wrong: "She arrived later than expected; then we left." - (This mixes meanings.)
Right: "She arrived later than expected; then we left." (Keep both if intended: first comparison, then sequence.)
Wrong: "Call me than."
Right: "Call me then."
Wrong: "I'd rather walk then drive."
Right: "I'd rather walk than drive."
Wrong: "Finish your homework than you can watch TV."
Right: "Finish your homework, then you can watch TV."
Wrong: "He is smarter then me."
Right: "He is smarter than I (am)." or "He is smarter than me."
Wrong: "If it rains than the game is canceled."
Right: "If it rains, then the game is canceled."

How to fix your own sentence

Follow three quick steps and decide if a simple swap or a rewrite is needed.

Step 1: Decide whether you mean comparison (use than) or time/sequence/result (use then).
Step 2: Try the substitution test: "compared to" vs "after that."
Step 3: Reread for clarity; if the sentence stays ambiguous, rewrite to spell out the intent.

Rewrite 1 - Original: "This plan is than workable if everyone stays late."
Rewrite: "This plan is workable only if everyone stays late."
Rewrite 2 - Original: "The assignment feels then too hard."
Rewrite: "The assignment feels too hard right now."
Rewrite 3 - Original: "Is that than tomorrow?"
Rewrite: "Is that for tomorrow?" or "Is that happening then, tomorrow?"

A simple memory trick

Link the word to meaning: picture a comparison sign (than) and a clock or sequence arrow for then. Use the substitution test often until the distinction feels automatic.

If "compared to" works, use than.
If "after that" or "at that time" works, use then.
Scan drafts for repeated errors and fix them in bulk.

Similar mistakes and small grammar checks

Mixing than and then often co-occurs with other slips. A quick checklist saves time.

Hyphenation/spacing: Neither than nor then is hyphenated-write them as single words.
Comma with then: Use a comma when then joins full clauses (We finished, then we left). No comma when it adverbially modifies a verb (I'll then explain).
Pronoun ambiguity after than: Rewrite ("I like you more than I like her").
Other split-word errors: Check for similar spacing or run-together mistakes nearby.

FAQ

Can "then" ever be used for comparisons?

No. Then refers to time, sequence, or consequence. Use than for comparisons. If confused, rewrite to make the relationship explicit.

Do I always put a comma before "then"?

Only when then joins two independent clauses (We finished, then we left). No comma is needed when then modifies a verb immediately following (I'll then respond).

Is "rather then" correct?

No. Use "rather than" to indicate preference or choice. "Then" would imply timing.

What's a fast proofreading trick to catch mistakes?

Apply the substitution test: try "after that" (then) and "compared to" (than). If one fits naturally, that's your word. If both seem possible, rewrite.

How do I fix ambiguous comparisons like "I like you more than her"?

Spell out the intended comparison: "I like you more than I like her" (comparison of feelings) or "I like you more than she does" (comparison of actions).

Need a quick check?

Use the substitution test or paste the sentence into a grammar tool. Or copy one of the rewrites above-it's faster and prevents a careless error.