Writing Lab Diction: Then vs. Than

What’s the difference? “Than” is a subordinating conjunction used in making comparisons. Ima Goodwriter is a better writer than I. “Then” is an adverb of time or a conjunctive adverb meaning “consequently” or “therefore.” The cashier rang up our sale; then he gave us our change.

Examples at Work The beauty contestant who was more beautiful (then/than) the other girls was a male. First, I went to the grocery story; (then/than) I went to the cyber cafe. John Madden says that Miller Lite has fewer calories and is less filling (then/than) other beers. If Ashley wants the camera, (then/than) she needs to ask for it.

One Final Note When spoken rapidly and without stress, “than” and “then” sound similar, so careless writers tend to confuse these two words.

That’s all, folks! This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson