Introduction to difference between then and than
Difference between then and than | “Then” and “than” are two frequently confused words in English, primarily due to their similar pronunciation. However, they have distinct meanings and usages. Understanding the difference between “then” and “than” is crucial for using them correctly in written and spoken English.
Table of Contents
Difference between then and than in tabular form
| Aspect | Then | Than |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Refers to a point in time or sequence of events. | Used for making comparisons or indicating a preference. |
| Usage | Typically used as an adverb or part of an adverbial phrase. | Primarily used as a conjunction or preposition. |
| Examples | “We finished dinner, and then we went for a walk.” (Refers to a sequence of events.) | “She is taller than her brother.” (Indicates a comparison.) |
Difference between then and than in detail
“Then” and “than” are homophones in English, meaning they have similar pronunciation but different meanings and usages.
Then: “Then” is primarily used to refer to a point in time or a sequence of events. It is often used as an adverb or part of an adverbial phrase to indicate when something happened or will happen. For example, “We finished dinner, and then we went for a walk” indicates a sequence of events—first, dinner was completed, and afterward, a walk occurred.
Than: “Than,” on the other hand, is used for making comparisons or indicating a preference. It is mainly employed as a conjunction or preposition in sentences. For instance, “She is taller than her brother” is a comparison, highlighting that the sister’s height surpasses that of her brother.
In summary, “then” relates to time or sequences of events, while “than” is used for making comparisons or expressing preferences. Confusing these two words can lead to grammatical errors, so it’s important to use them correctly in context to convey the intended meaning.
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