When to Use Then vs Than: Here’s an Easy Way to Remember

by

If you can never remember when to use then vs than, I’ve got good news for you.

First, you’re not alone.

Second, I learned a great tip a couple of years ago from a writing magazine (I don’t remember which one, which is why I’m not naming names). I haven’t had trouble with these words since following this trick.

When to use then vs than: The ultimate tip for remembering

Think of it like this: The word “than” refers to comparisons, while the word “then” refers to time.

Now, here’s the nifty way to remember:

  • There’s an “a” in “comparisons,” and there’s an “a“ in “than.”
  • There’s an “e” in “time,” and there’s an “e” in “then.”

Don’t even worry about remembering both. If you think “then” and “time,” you’ll be golden. Just ask yourself if what you’re writing as to do with time, and if it does, boom! Use “then.”

Examples:

  • I think George Clooney is hotter than Brad Pitt. (I’m comparing George to Brad. And I’m also dating myself.)
  • First, I’m going to eat ice cream. Then, I’ll work out. (I’m explaining the very sensible timing between my ice cream consumption and exercise.)
  • I enjoy writing more than just about anything. (Comparing writing to everything else.)
  • I started freelancing in 2002. Back then, I didn’t have to think about social media. (I’m talking about a time period.)

Language is fun. Here are my go-to writing and editing resources.

Note: I use affiliate links for some of them. If you use one of the links to buy something, it won’t cost you more, but I’ll earn a small commission. I only recommend stuff that I believe in.

  • Grammarly. (Affiliate link) The free version is great at catching critical errors. I used it for about a year before upgrading to the premium tier, and I’m glad I did. You can sign up for the free version here. (If you sign up or buy via my affiliate link, it won’t cost you more, but I’ll earn a small commission.)
  • A Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker and Nancy Sommers. (Amazon affiliate link link.) I have the fifth edition, which is excellent. I’m thinking about upgrading to the 10th. Hacker was incredible. She died in 2004, but her memory lives on.
  • Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer. (Amazon affiliate link.) Another gem. I gave this one to Mr. Word Nerd.