When to Use "Then" and "Than" in English: Rules, Examples, and Tips

The words then and than look similar, but their uses are different. “Then” comes when you talk about time or what happens next. Example: “I finished my homework, then I went out to play.” “Than” always comes in a comparison, as in “I am taller than my brother.” Mixing them up is a common grammar mistake, but you can easily remember: Then = time/order; Than = comparison. Check your sentences to identify if you’re describing order or showing a difference. Try using this trick in your essays and daily writing. Practising with stories like The Sun and the Moon can help you spot and use both correctly. Never say “better then” when you mean “better than.”

Students often confuse then and than, especially in exam writing. “Then” works when you express a timeline, sequence, or result. For example, “If I study now, then I can watch TV later.” Than steps in only for comparisons, like “This book is more interesting than that one.”

You can avoid mistakes by asking: “Am I comparing?” If yes, choose “than.” If describing the next action or timing, pick “then.” This fast check will help, especially when editing essays or letters.

Consider these sentences:
• We visited the museum, then had lunch.
• Rohan is stronger than Amit.
• She wanted to run, but then she changed her mind.
• My cat is heavier than my dog.
Notice that after “stronger” and “heavier,” “than” is correct because they compare two things. Use Vedantu’s grammar resources for extra worksheets and practice. Regular reading of stories such as The Rainbow also helps you see context and learn naturally. Remember, perfecting these words will make your essays and speech clearer and more impressive!

Learning when do I use then and than helps students avoid one of the most common errors in English grammar. Both words sound and look alike, but they serve different functions.

First, then signals time, order, or consequence. For instance, “We finished class, then went home.” “Then” also appears in if-then statements: “If it rains, then we will cancel the picnic.” Meanwhile, “than” is reserved only for comparisons—no matter what. You use it when you highlight a difference or make a choice, such as “She is more talented than her friends” or “I would rather read than watch TV.”

To never confuse the two, use these three strategies:
1. Look for comparative adjectives or adverbs (more, less, better, faster). If present, follow with “than.”
2. Check if the sentence describes a sequence or result; pick “then.”
3. Swap in “compare” or “next” to see which makes sense.

Here is a mistake to avoid: Never write “better then you” (wrong); always write “better than you.” Similarly, avoid “If you finish, than you can go”—this should be “then.” For extra practice, write your own sentences using both terms. Read essays and short stories on Vedantu, like Short Stories on Truth for Children, and try to spot “then” and “than” in context. If you’re stuck, just remember: Then = time; Than = comparison. Practising with fun exercises or quizzes will lock in the learning. Adopting this rule will make your English accurate and clear for tests, speaking, and creative writing.