Grammar 101: Then vs. Than
June 18th, 2009 by Michael Kwan
Last week, we took a look at understanding the usage of [sic] in writing. As part of that post, I received a comment from Sydney Arnold suggesting that I do another Grammar 101 post on the difference between then and than. Well, that’s what I’m doing today!
Although only a single letter separates then and than, they have vastly different meanings. The issue is further exacerbated by the fact that most people tend to pronounce the two words almost the same way, making for an even more confusing situation. However, as soon as you understand their respective definitions, the distinction will become much more clear.
Then is used in reference to time. You would use this word when you are talking about a sequence of events or placing one event in time relative to another. For example:
I went to the mall and then I bought a pair of shoes.
The word then can also be used in a context similar to using “in that case.” Example:
You really want all-wheel-drive? You should consider a Subaru then.
Than is used in reference to comparisons. You would use this word when you are talking about the characteristics of one noun in relation to the same characteristics of another noun. For example:
Most people are better writers than John Chow.
The easiest way to differentiate between the usage of then and than is just to think about the context of your sentence. Is the word being used in the context of a time sequence or is it being used for the purpose of comparing two things?
If you follow these basic guidelines, then you may have better grammar than nearly everyone else on the Internet.
Tags: grammar, spelling, then and than
Filed under Freelance Writing.
THANK YOU!!!! I am really appalled at the state of grammar these days….
Sweet! Short and simple. Great article!
I know that I am not a great writer, but, I receive job applications in the form of SMS language. I believe that it shows a lack of thought and a lack of attention to detail and therefore I do not even reply. I am a GenX person and they say that I do not get it, but given most employers are around my age, I think that candidates should make an effort.
I never knew that John Chow wasn’t a good writer. I thought he was a good writer with some lack of grammar and spelling skills.
Of course that doesn’t stop me from reading his blog daily.
I’ll give him credit for being relatively interesting as a person but his writing is lacking. No, I’m not just talking about his spelling and grammar, which are absolutely atrocious.
I do learn a lot and enjoy the banter on his blog. I can see how you and Michael just go at him for his grammar.
Now we just need to start posting Dot Com Pho video to made for a good video night during the week.
Lol I love your example Michael. I hope John doesn’t get angry with that.
Oh, he knows that his English skills are lacking. That said, his poor grammar abilities haven’t hindered his ability to make $40k+ a month from his blog, so…
Absolutely! I just wish I had the ability to do what he has, on a smaller scale.
He has Michael and me to yell at him when he spells the simplest of words incorrectly.
…and by that, I mean making fun of his mercilessly.