Then vs Than – Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Have you ever paused mid-sentence and thought, “Is it then or than?” You’re not alone. Then vs than is one of the most searched grammar problems because both words look similar, sound similar, and are often typed quickly—especially on mobile.

One tiny letter can change the entire meaning of a sentence, and that’s why people keep searching for then vs than grammar, when to use then or than, and even then vs than in Urdu for clarity.

The confusion usually happens in comparisons, emotions, and casual speech. Phrases like “I love you more then/than”, “better then or better than”, and “OK then or OK than” are everywhere on social media, emails, and chats. Google searches show that users want a quick answer, real-life then vs than examples, and professional guidance they can trust.

This article solves that confusion completely. You’ll get a simple rule, clear examples, grammar explanations, tables, FAQs, and practical usage tips—written in plain language. By the end, you’ll never mix them up again.

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Then vs Than means

Then is about time, order, or result.
Than is used for comparison.

Simple examples

• Finish your work, then relax.
• She is taller than her sister.

Easy memory trick

• Then = Time (both have E)
• Than = Compare (both have A)

If you are comparing two things, use than.
If you are talking about what happens next, use then.

This rule alone solves 90% of then vs than grammar mistakes.

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The Origin of Then vs Than

The confusion between then vs than has deep historical roots. Both words come from Old English and were once spelled in similar ways.

• Then comes from þænne, meaning at that time or afterward.
• Than comes from þonne, used to show comparison or difference.

Over time, English spelling became standardized, but pronunciation stayed close. That’s why people still mix them up today. The problem increased with texting, autocorrect, and fast typing.

Languages that rely on sound rather than spelling—like Urdu—make this harder. That’s why many learners search then vs than in Urdu to understand meaning rather than spelling.

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British English vs American English Spelling

Good news: then vs than is the same in both British and American English. The rules do not change.

Comparison Table

Context	Correct Word	Example
Time / sequence	Then	Eat dinner, then sleep
Comparison	Than	Better than before
Emotion	Than	I love you more than ever
Decision	Then	OK then, let’s go

❌ There is no version where “better then” or “OK than” is correct.

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Which Spelling Should You Use?

Your audience doesn’t change the rule—grammar does.

• US audience: Follow standard grammar → comparisons use than
• UK & Commonwealth: Same rules, same usage
• Global audience: Clear grammar builds trust and EEAT

If you’re writing blogs, emails, exams, or professional content, correct usage improves readability and credibility. Google’s NLP systems also detect grammar accuracy, so correct usage helps SEO indirectly.

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Common Mistakes with Then vs Than

Here are the most frequent errors people make:

1. ❌ Better then yesterday
   ✅ Better than yesterday
2. ❌ I love you more then anyone
   ✅ I love you more than anyone
3. ❌ Less then five minutes
   ✅ Less than five minutes (Less than vs then)
4. ❌ OK than, let’s go
   ✅ OK then, let’s go

Why do people use then instead of than?

Because then feels more familiar in speech, and autocorrect often suggests it first.

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Then vs Than in Everyday Examples

Emails

• Please review the file, then send feedback.
• This option is cheaper than the other one.

Social Media

• If you don’t try, then you’ll never know.
• She’s stronger than before.

News & Formal Writing

• The policy was revised, then approved.
• Inflation is higher than expected.

Common Questions Answered

• Okay then or than? → OK then
• Better then or better than? → Better than
• I love you more then or than? → More than

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Then vs Than Grammar Examples (With Visual Explanation)

Grammar becomes easier when you see the difference.

• Then → timeline, steps, sequence
• Than → comparison, contrast, measurement

This visual logic is why teachers use then vs than worksheet exercises for students.

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Then vs Than Worksheet Style Practice

Fill in the blanks mentally:

1. She is smarter ___ him. (than)
2. Finish homework, ___ watch TV. (then)

Practice like this builds instant accuracy.

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Then vs Than in Urdu (Meaning Based Clarity)

• Then → phir / us ke baad
• Than → se zyada / ke muqable mein

Thinking in meaning instead of spelling helps bilingual learners avoid mistakes.

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Then vs Than – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search data shows then vs than spikes during:

• Exam seasons
• Content writing tasks
• ESL learning phases

High-search queries include:

• When to use then or than?
• Do you say “OK then” or “OK than”?
• Do you say better then or better than?

English-speaking countries search comparison errors more, while non-native regions search explanation-based content. This confirms strong user intent for both quick answers and deep explanation.

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Then vs Than Comparison Table

Feature	Then	Than
Purpose	Time / order	Comparison
Grammar role	Adverb	Conjunction
Example	Eat, then sleep	Taller than me
Common mistake	Used in comparison	Used for sequence

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FAQs: Then vs Than

1. When to use then or than?
Use then for time, than for comparison.

2. Do you say “OK then” or “OK than”?
Always OK then.

3. Do you say better then or better than?
Correct phrase: better than.

4. I love you more then or than?
Correct: more than.

5. Is “less than vs then” a grammar issue?
Yes. Always less than, never less then.

6. Why is then vs than so confusing?
Same sound, fast typing, and weak grammar basics.

7. Are then vs than worksheets helpful?
Yes. Practice builds instant recognition.

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Conclusion: Master Then vs Than with Confidence

The then vs than confusion may look small, but it has a big impact on clarity, professionalism, and trust. One letter can change meaning, tone, and even emotional weight. Whether you’re writing emails, blogs, captions, or academic content, correct usage shows attention to detail and strong language skills.

Remember the core rule: then is about time and sequence, than is about comparison. Use the memory trick, review the examples, and practice with worksheet-style thinking. If you’re bilingual, translating meaning—like phir and se zyada—makes it even easier.

This guide covered grammar, origin, real-life usage, FAQs, and professional advice, fully aligned with user intent and modern Google NLP standards. Once you lock this rule in, you’ll spot mistakes instantly—and never make them again.

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