Is there anyone, who could explain to me, as easy as possible, when to use then or than? I keep making mistakes using them?

Is there a simple rule to follow to know the difference when to use which one?

Thanks in advance for any help given.

Regards

» Answer from Melissa Swenka Answer given 1 year 259 days ago.

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Maurintius,

The rule I stick by for using "then" versus "than" breaks down kind of like this:

Think of "then" as a marker for time or consequence:

"Do you think you can make it to the party at 6?"

"Sure, I can be there then." OR

"I'm going to turn you into the police."

"Then, I'm going to have to shoot you now."

Think of "than" as a marker for comparison:

"I have more dogs than Marlee."

"The Miami Dolphins have a worse chance of winning than the Green Bay Packers do." OR

"I would rather chew razor blades than go out with you again."

Hope this helps! :D

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» Comment from Maurintius Comment made 1 year 258 days ago.

Thanks Melissa, great answer!

In your example about the police and have to shoot you know, I think I would have used 'than' instead of 'then' :), but I see it now.

If I'm doubting which one to use, I just have to see if it has something to do with time or consequence, or if it's a comparison I'm talking about.

This is something I won't forget and the future will tell if I really do get the hang of it.

Did you ever got to a point, you wanted to chew razor blades before going out with a guy again? Must have been one hell of date! lol ;D

Thanks again.

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» Answer from Octavia Hansen Answer given 1 year 258 days ago.

The word "then" is for time, when it happened. Example: And then we had dinner.

The word "than" is a comparison. Example: My house is bigger than your house.

When speaking, the two are very close in most people's pronunciation,

that could be why you get confused. The usage can be correct, but it's hard to pick out the sound.

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» Comment from Maurintius Comment made 1 year 258 days ago.

Thanks for the explanation.

It's nice knowing people do take the time to answer.

I think I understand now, and yes it might be the pronouncing of the two words, cause if I write in English, it hear the words in my mind :).

Thanks again.

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