What is the difference between than and then?

Than is used for comparisons. Then is about time — what happens next or at that moment.

Is it better then or better than?

Better than — it is a comparison: She is taller than her brother. Then is for time: we went to the store, and then we had lunch.

How do I remember than vs then?

Comp a ring → th a n (both have an a). Time and wh e n → th e n (both have an e).

Level: A2

Than vs Then

Than (for comparisons) and then (for time) look and sound very similar. Practice choosing the right one with the example sentences below.

🔍 Confused words · pair 45 of 54 ⏱ about 5 minutes 🔊 every sentence has audio

2:12 🎬 Watch this on YouTube See the difference between Than and Then explained in this lesson.

0:55 🎬 In a hurry? The 1-minute version Then vs Than — the same common error in under a minute.

How to use this page

🔊 Listen: click the speaker icon to hear the whole line read aloud.
Word audio: click any word to hear it spoken on its own.
🌐 Translate: choose a language then click the globe icon to open Google Translate.
☑️ Select & practice: tick the checkboxes to choose items, then print them, make a worksheet or flashcards, or start a quiz.
For Matching Game quizzes, choose sentences that include more than one of the words below. If you pick sentences with only one word, the quiz will automatically add a sentence using another word.

Than – used to compare two things or people.
She is taller ______ her brother. – than
I like tea more ______ coffee. – than
My house is bigger ______ yours. – than
He runs faster ______ me. – than
This book is harder ______ the last one. – than
She is younger ______ I am. – than
I would rather walk ______ drive. – than
Winter is colder ______ summer. – than
This chair is more comfortable ______ that one. – than
I have more books ______ you. – than
My bag is heavier ______ hers. – than
He is stronger ______ his friend. – than
Math is easier ______ science for me. – than
It costs less ______ I expected. – than
I am older ______ my cousin. – than
This road is longer ______ the other one. – than
I got a better score ______ last time. – than
The blue car is newer ______ the red car. – than
She works harder ______ anyone I know. – than
The movie was shorter ______ I thought. – than
It’s warmer today ______ yesterday. – than
My dog is smaller ______ yours. – than
This test is easier ______ the last one. – than
I prefer apples ______ oranges. – than
She sings better ______ me. – than
They have more food ______ us. – than
He is smarter ______ his classmates. – than
This jacket is cheaper ______ that one. – than
I have fewer problems ______ before. – than
He came later ______ everyone else. – than
Our city is bigger ______ theirs. – than
This movie is better ______ the last one. – than
We left earlier ______ planned. – than
She is much kinder ______ people say. – than
I feel better ______ yesterday. – than
The lesson is longer ______ usual. – than
My shoes are cleaner ______ yours. – than
He is less tired ______ before. – than
This cake is sweeter ______ that pie. – than
She is more creative ______ her brother. – than
Then – means “at that time, next, or after that.”
We will eat, ______ go to the park. – then
I woke up and ______ had breakfast. – then
Do your homework, ______ watch TV. – then
She finished her work, ______ left the office. – then
If it rains, ______ we’ll stay inside. – then
First we will shop, ______ eat lunch. – then
He cleaned his room, ______ played games. – then
Take this road, ______ turn left. – then
We walked for an hour, ______ rested. – then
Finish your chores, ______ you can go out. – then
She studied and ______ took the test. – then
It was sunny, ______ it started to rain. – then
He ate dinner, ______ went to bed. – then
I read the book, ______ wrote a report. – then
If you’re ready, ______ let’s go. – then
I lost my keys, ______ I found them. – then
She laughed, ______ she cried. – then
We will leave at five, ______ arrive by six. – then
He saw the movie, ______ read the book. – then
First eat your food, ______ have dessert. – then
If you call me, ______ I’ll answer. – then
I was a student ______. – then
She cleaned, ______ she cooked. – then
It was quiet, ______ the dog barked. – then
We arrived late, ______ the show began. – then
If you finish early, ______ wait for us. – then
I didn’t see him ______. – then
She waved goodbye, ______ left. – then
The bell rang, ______ class started. – then
Take this form, ______ go to room 4. – then
First listen, ______ answer the question. – then
We played outside, ______ went home. – then
Wash your hands, ______ eat. – then
I worked hard ______ too. – then
If you agree, ______ sign here. – then
She left, ______ I called her. – then
The movie ended, ______ everyone clapped. – then
I saw him, ______ I left. – then
I was younger ______. – then

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between than and then?: Than is used for comparisons. Then is about time — what happens next or at that moment.
Is it better then or better than?: Better than — it is a comparison: She is taller than her brother. Then is for time: we went to the store, and then we had lunch.
How do I remember than vs then?: Comparing → than (both have an a). Time and when → then (both have an e).