Confused about when to use "then vs. than" in your writing?
This article will clarify the grammar rules and provide helpful writing tools to ensure proper word usage, whether you're a native English speaker or learning the language.
When To Use "Then"
"Then" is used to indicate a sequence of events or a time in the future. It can also indicate a logical consequence or result.
"then" is often used to connect two clauses or phrases, indicating that one event will happen after the other. It is also used to indicate a logical consequence of a condition or a decision.
Examples:
- I will finish my work, then I will go out to play.
- If you finish your homework, then you can watch TV.
- First, we will have a meeting, then we will break for lunch.
- I woke up early, then I went for a run.
Common pitfalls:
One common pitfall when using "then" is confusing it with "than." "Than" is used to make comparisons, whereas "then" is used to indicate a sequence of events or a time in the future.
When To Use "Than"
"Than" is used to make comparisons between two or more things. It is typically used in comparisons of inequality, where one thing is not as good or not as great as the other.
Here are a few examples:
- I am taller than my brother.
- She is better at math than I am.
- The concert was louder than I expected.
- The cake is sweeter than the pie.
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