than vs then

than vs then
  Than can be used as a conjunction and as a preposition in English.
  We often use it to compare things.
  For example: "Laika is smaller than Sam."
  For example: "When I looked at my money, I had less than I thought I had."
  Then can be used as an adjective or an adverb. It is used to describe time in the past or the future.
  For example: "They say machines will do all the work in the future, but I think I'll be retired by then."
  If you still get them confused think "When = Then".

English dictionary of common mistakes and confusing words. 2014.

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  • than vs then —   Than can be used as a conjunction and as a preposition in English.   We often use it to compare things.   For example: Laika is smaller than Sam.   For example: When I looked at my money, I had less than I thought I had.   Then can be used as… …   English dictionary of common mistakes and confusing words

  • Than — ([th][a^]n), conj. [OE. than, thon, then, thanne, thonne, thenne, than, then, AS. [eth]anne, [eth]onne, [eth][ae]nne; akin to D. dan, OHG. danne, G. dann then, denn than, for, Goth. [thorn]an then, and to E. the, there, that. See {That}, and cf.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Than — Than, adv. Then. See {Then}. [Obs.] Gower. [1913 Webster] Thanne longen folk to gon on pilgrimages. Chaucer. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • than — O.E. þan, conjunctive particle used after a comparative adjective or adverb, from þanne, þænne, þonne then (see THEN (Cf. then)). Developed from the adverb then, and not distinguished from it in spelling until c.1700. The earliest use is in West… …   Etymology dictionary

  • Then — ([th][e^]n), adv. [Originally the same word as than. See {Than}.] 1. At that time (referring to a time specified, either past or future). [1913 Webster] And the Canaanite was then in the land. Gen. xii. 6. [1913 Webster] Now I know in part; but… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • then — adverb of time, from O.E. þanne, þænne, þonne, from P.Gmc. *thana (Cf. O.Fris. thenne, O.S. thanna, Du. dan, O.H.G. danne, Ger. dann), from PIE demonstrative pronoun root *to (see THE (Cf. the)). For further sense development, see …   Etymology dictionary

  • than / then —    Than is used to compare: Philippa Byrd thinks she is smarter than any of us.    Then is a word to describe a time that is not now: I prefer Friday; it would be better to meet then because then I will be ready …   Confused words

  • than / then —    Than is used to compare: Philippa Byrd thinks she is smarter than any of us.    Then is a word to describe a time that is not now: I prefer Friday; it would be better to meet then because then I will be ready …   Confused words

  • than — ► CONJUNCTION & PREPOSITION 1) introducing the second element in a comparison. 2) used to introduce an exception or contrast. 3) used in expressions indicating one thing happening immediately after another. USAGE Traditionally, it has been… …   English terms dictionary

  • than — [than] conj. [ME than, thene, thonne < OE thenne, thanne, thonne, orig., then: for IE base see THAT] 1. introducing the second element in a comparison, following an adjective or adverb in the comparative degree: if the first element is a… …   English World dictionary

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