Then and thanexamples When to Use "Then" vs. "Than": A Comprehensive Guide to These Commonly Confused Words
The English language is replete with words that sound alike but have distinct meanings and uses, leading to frequent confusion. Among these are "then" and "than.Then vs Than | Difference, Meaning & Examples" While they are homophones, meaning they sound the same, their grammatical functions and semantic roles are entirely different.Then vs. Than: How to Use Each in a Sentence Understanding the difference between then and than is crucial for clear and effective communication, both in written and spoken forms. This article aims to demystify these two words, providing clear explanations, illustrative examples, and practical tips to ensure you master their usage2011年6月24日—Used to refer to a certain time in the past or future: Life was harder then because neither of us had a job. Just then (= at ....
At its core, the distinction lies in their primary functions: "then" refers to time or sequence, while "than" is used for comparison"Cracking the Code: The Smart Way to use 'Then' vs. 'Than'". This fundamental difference permeates how and when each word is employed.
The word "then" typically functions as an adverb or, less commonly, as an adjective or noun. Its primary purpose is to indicate a point in time, a sequence of events, or something that happened in a previous timeWhen do you use then vs than? - Scribbr.
* Indicating Time: When you want to refer to a specific moment or period, "then" is your word. It can point to a past event or a future event.
* *Example:* "I remember when we first met; it was a sunny afternoon, and I was just walking out of the library.When do you use then vs than? - Scribbr Then, I saw you." (Here, "then" refers to the specific time that event occurred.“Than” vs. “Then”—What's the Difference?)
* *Example:* "We will finish the report by Friday, and then we can present it to the team." (This "then" indicates what will happen next in the sequenceThen vs Than | Difference, Meaning & Examples.)
* *Example:* "Life was harder then because neither of us had a job." (This "then" refers to a specific time in the pastWhen To Use 'Then' and 'Than'.)
* Showing Sequence or Order: "Then" is essential for outlining a series of actions or events in the order they occur.2024年2月15日—"Then" refers to time or sequence(First this, then that), while "than" is used for comparisons (More than, less than). It helps establish cause and effect or a chronological flow.2024年2月15日—"Then" refers to time or sequence(First this, then that), while "than" is used for comparisons (More than, less than).
* *Example:* "First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, mix the dry ingredients."
* *Example:* "He studied diligently for weeks, and then he felt confident for the exam."
* Referring to Past Conditions or States: "Then" can also be used to refer to a particular state or condition in the past that is no longer true.
* *Example:* "She used to be very shy, but she is much more outgoing then." (This usage can sometimes be interchangeable with "than" in informal contexts, but strictly speaking, when referring to a past state, "then" can work.) A more precise contrast would be: "She used to be very shy, but now she is much more outgoing."
Entity Extraction for "Then":
* Time: "Then" is intrinsically linked to the concept of time. This includes specific points in time, periods in the past, and what comes next in a temporal sequence.
* Sequence/Order: It's used to denote the order of events, making it a keyword for understanding chronological progression.
* Adverb: Grammatically, it often functions as an adverb, modifying verbs or clauses by providing temporal information.
The word "than" serves a single, vital purpose: to make comparisons. It is primarily used as a conjunction or, in some instances, a preposition, to show the relationship between two or more things, people, or ideasThen vs Than? What's the Difference and How To Get It Right.
* Making Comparisons: You use "than" when you want to highlight a difference or a degree between two subjects. This is often done after comparative adjectives (e.g., bigger, smaller, smarter, more, less).
* *Example:* "My car is faster than your bicycleWhat's the difference between then and than? | Learn English." (Comparing the speed of two vehicles.)
* *Example:* "She is taller than her brother." (Comparing the height of two people.)
* *Example:* "This book is more interesting than the movie." (Comparing the engagement level of a book and its film adaptation.2022年8月8日—Then” is an adverb used to indicate time. “Than” is a conjunction used to compare two or more things.)
* *Example:* "He scored fewer goals than she did." (Comparing quantities.)
* After Certain Verbs and Adjectives: "Than" naturally follows words that express preference or comparison.
* *Example:* "I would rather read a good book than watch television." (Preference.2023年6月20日—than is used for comparisons to show who or what something is compared against. For example,“cats are smarter · then is used to show time, as in ...)
* *Example:* "It is more important to be kind than to be right." (Comparative importanceThe word "then" means "at that time" and is used to talk about when things will happen. The word "than" is used to compare things..)
A Helpful Mnemonic: A common and effective way to remember when to use "than" for comparison is to note that both "than" and "comparison" contain the letter 'a'. This simple memory aid can be invaluable when you're unsure.
Entity Extraction for "Than":
* Comparison: The core function of "than" is comparison. It is the go-to word when contrasting two or more elementsThen is commonly used to express a sense of time or what comes next or used to be. Than is used to form comparisons between two things. ... Judgment or Judgement: ....
* Conjunction/Preposition: Grammatically, it acts as a conjunction linking clauses or as a preposition introducing a phrase."Than" is used when you're talking about comparisons; "then" is used when you're talking about something relating to time.
* Comparative Adjectives: It frequently follows words like "more," "less," "greater," "smaller," and other comparative adjectives to complete the comparison.
The confusion between "then" and "than" often stems from their similar sound“Then” refers to time or sequence, so it is correct in your example. “Than” is for comparison: “taller than, meaner than”, etc.. However, paying close attention to the context will almost always reveal the correct wordWhen To Use 'Then' and 'Than'.
* When in doubt, ask yourself: Am I talking about time, order, or what comes next? If yes, use "then." Am I comparing two things? If yes, use "than."
* Read your sentences aloud: Sometimes, hearing the sentence can help you identify if the word feels natural in
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