Mini-Lesson #60
From the UWF Writing Lab’s 101 Grammar Mini-Lessons Series
Diction: Then versus Than
What’s the difference?
Than is a subordinating conjunction used in
making comparisons.
Then is an adverb of time or a conjunctive
adverb meaning “consequently” or “therefore.”
Examples at Work
Ima Goodwriter is a better writer than I.
The cashier rang up our sale; then he gave us
our change.
Here’s another one…
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.
Last Time…
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.