Then or Than: Which One Is Correct?

Many English learners and even native speakers search for “then or than” because these two small words look and sound similar but serve very different purposes in English. A single mistake can completely change the meaning of a sentence, especially in exams,

emails, articles, and professional writing. People often pause while writing sentences like better then before or back then vs back than and feel unsure which word is correct.

This confusion happens because then and than are short, common words used in daily speech, where pronunciation differences are subtle. However, in writing, choosing the wrong one looks unprofessional and can confuse readers.

This article solves that problem clearly and simply. You will get a quick answer, history, British vs American usage, common mistakes, real-life examples, trends, FAQs, and expert advice. By the end, you will confidently know when to use then and when to use than.

Then or Than: Quick Answer

Then relates to time, sequence, or results.

Than is used for comparisons.

Examples:

Finish your work, then go home. ✅
She is taller than her sister. ✅

❌ She is taller then her sister. (Incorrect) ❌ Do this than leave. (Incorrect)

The Origin of Then or Than

Understanding the origins of then and than helps explain why they are not interchangeable.

Origin of “Then”

The word then comes from Old English þanne or þænne, meaning at that time or afterward. Historically, it has always been connected to time, sequence, and consequence. Over centuries, its spelling stabilized as then, and its meaning remained focused on order and timing.

Origin of “Than”

The word than comes from Old English þonne, which developed into a comparison marker. It was used to show difference between two things. Over time, English kept than strictly for comparisons, while then stayed tied to time.

The spelling difference exists because English separated these two functions—time versus comparison—even though pronunciation became similar in modern speech.

British English vs American English Spelling

There is no spelling difference between British English and American English for then or than. Both varieties follow the same rules and meanings.

What sometimes differs is frequency of mistakes, especially in informal writing and social media.

Examples

British English: Back then, life was simpler.
American English: This phone is cheaper than that one.

Comparison Table

Aspect	British English	American English
Time word	then	then
Comparison word	than	than
Spelling difference	None	None
Grammar rules	Same	Same

Which Spelling Should You Use?

Choosing between then and than depends on meaning, not region.

US audience: Follow standard grammar rules
UK/Commonwealth audience: Same rules apply
Global audience: Use clear context and correct form

Simple Rule

If you can replace it with after that → use then
If you can replace it with compared to → use than

This rule works in almost every situation.

Common Mistakes with Then or Than

Mistake 1: Using “then” for comparison

❌ She is smarter then me. ✅ She is smarter than me.

Mistake 2: Using “than” for time

❌ We went home than slept. ✅ We went home then slept.

Mistake 3: Informal typing habits

❌ Better late then never. ✅ Better late than never.

Mistake 4: Overreliance on pronunciation

Both words may sound similar in fast speech, but grammar depends on meaning, not sound.

Then or Than in Everyday Examples

Emails

Please review the document, then send your feedback.
This option is better than the previous one.

News Writing

Prices were higher back then.
Inflation rose faster than expected.

Social Media

Study hard, then relax 😌
This movie is better than the last one 🎬

Formal Writing

The experiment was completed, then analyzed.
Method A performed better than Method B.

Then or Than: Google Trends & Usage Data

Search data shows that “then or than” is one of the most common English grammar searches worldwide.

Popular Regions

South Asia
Middle East
Africa
ESL-learning countries
United States and United Kingdom (informal writing)

Usage Context

Then appears more in storytelling, instructions, and historical writing
Than appears more in comparisons, reviews, opinions, and academic analysis

People usually search this keyword before exams, content writing, job applications, or publishing online. This shows strong intent for quick clarity with detailed explanation.

Comparison Table: Then vs Than

Word	Function	Meaning	Example
Then	Adverb	Time or sequence	Eat first, then leave
Than	Conjunction/Preposition	Comparison	Faster than before

FAQs

Is “then” ever used for comparison?

No. Then is never correct for comparisons.

Can “than” indicate time?

No. Than only shows comparison.

Why do people confuse then and than?

Because they sound similar in speech and are both very common words.

Is “better then” ever correct?

Only if you mean better at that time, which is rare. Usually, better than is correct.

Are then and than interchangeable?

No. They serve completely different grammatical roles.

Do native speakers make this mistake?

Yes, especially in informal writing and social media.

Is this mistake serious in professional writing?

Yes. It can reduce clarity and credibility.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between then or than is essential for clear and professional English. While both words are short and sound similar, their meanings are completely

different. Then relates to time, sequence, and results. Than is strictly used for comparisons. Mixing them up can confuse readers and weaken your writing.

The good news is that the rule is simple and universal. There is no British or American spelling difference to memorize. You only need to focus on meaning. If the sentence talks about what happens next or at that time, choose then. If the sentence compares two things, always choose than.

This small grammar fix can make a big difference in exams, emails, articles, social posts, and professional documents.

By using the tips, tables, examples, FAQs, and memory tricks in this guide, you can confidently avoid one of the most common English mistakes. Mastering then vs than shows attention to detail and that always leaves a strong impression.