The English language is often tricky, filled with word pairs that can confuse even native speakers. A common mix-up happens between “then” and “than,” and it’s easy to see why – they look identical, sound similar, and often sneak into the wrong places in writing. In my experience, whenever I taught students about Better Than or Better Then, I noticed how small errors could change the meaning completely. When I first began editing essays, I’d often pause and wonder if I made the correct choice – was it “better then” or “better than”?
When we discuss phrases like “better than,” we are describing a difference in quality or value, where one thing is better than another. In contrast, “then” relates to time, showing what happens next. Many people still mix them up, but knowing how they function in context can make all the difference. I often share a guide that breaks these rules into short examples and tips, and it’s truly satisfying to see students’ confidence grow when they finally get it right.
Why People Confuse ‘Then’ and ‘Than’
The mix-up happens because:
- Both words are only one letter apart.
- When spoken quickly, they can sound almost the same.
- Both are short, common, and appear in similar sentence positions.
Historically, “then” and “than” come from Old English roots that were once closer in meaning. Over centuries, their roles became distinct, but their spelling and pronunciation stayed confusingly close.
Modern English learners – and even lifelong speakers – still slip up. You’ve probably seen tweets, comments, or emails where someone wrote:
- ❌ “This is better then the last movie.”
- ❌ “I’d rather stay home then go out.”
The result is not just a typo. Using the wrong word changes the meaning entirely. That’s why understanding the difference is critical.
Core Difference Between ‘Then’ and ‘Than’
The easiest way to remember the distinction is this:
- Than = comparison.
- Then = time or sequence.
Here’s a quick reference table:
| Word | Part of Speech | Primary Use | Example |
| Then | Adverb, Adjective, Noun | Refers to time, sequence, or consequence | “We ate dinner, then went to bed.” |
| Than | Conjunction, Preposition | Used in comparisons | “She is taller than him.” |
Think of it like this:
- If you’re comparing two things → use than.
- If you’re talking about time or what happens next → use then.
Understanding the Role of ‘Than’
‘Than’ as a Conjunction
“Than” is most often used as a conjunction to compare two clauses or items.
Examples:
- “This book is better than the movie adaptation.”
- “He is stronger than he looks.”
Notice that in both cases, “than” introduces the second part of a comparison.
‘Than’ as a Preposition
In informal English, “than” can act as a preposition. This is why you sometimes see sentences like:
- “She earns more than me.”
- “I’d rather walk than drive.”
Technically, formal grammar prefers “than I” (e.g., “She earns more than I [do]”). But modern English accepts both, especially in conversation.
Examples of “Better Than” in Use
Here are real-world phrases with “than”:
- “This coffee is better than the one we had yesterday.”
- “I run faster than my brother.”
- “Your solution is smarter than mine.”
Each sentence is about comparison. That’s why “than” fits perfectly.
Understanding the Role of ‘Then’
Unlike “than,” the word then relates to time, order, or consequence. It can function as an adverb, adjective, or noun.
Then as an Adverb
This is the most common usage. It refers to time or sequence.
- “We had lunch, then we went shopping.”
- “If you study hard, then you’ll pass.”
- “Back then, things were different.”
Then as an Adjective
When describing something belonging to a past time, “then” acts as an adjective.
- “The then president announced the reforms.”
- “She visited her then boyfriend in college.”
Then as a Noun
It can even serve as a noun, referring to a specific time.
- “The now and then.”
- “We’ll talk about the then later.”
Why “Better Than” is Correct, Not “Better Then”
When you say something is “better,” you are comparing two or more things. Comparisons always require than.
Let’s look at examples:
- ✅ Correct: “This phone is better than the last model.”
- ❌ Incorrect: “This phone is better then the last model.”
Using “then” makes the sentence nonsensical. It would imply something happened later in time, which is not what “better” expresses.
So remember: It’s always “better than,” never “better then.”
Common Expressions Using ‘Than’
“Than” appears in many well-known idiomatic phrases. Here are some of the most useful ones:
- Other than → “I have no hobbies other than reading.”
- Rather than → “I’d stay home rather than go out.”
- No sooner… than → “No sooner had we arrived than it started raining.”
- More than meets the eye → “This project is harder than it looks.”
- More than happy → “I’d be more than happy to help.”
These show how than is deeply connected with comparison and contrast.
Common Expressions Using ‘Then’
Just as “than” has its idioms, “then” appears in common time-related expressions:
- Back then → “Back then, gas was cheaper.”
- And then → “We talked, and then we left.”
- Since then → “I’ve improved a lot since then.”
- Every now and then → “I visit my grandparents every now and then.”
These highlight the time-sequence meaning of “then.”
Case Studies of Real-Life Confusion
Let’s look at how this confusion appears in real life.
Example 1: Social Media Post
❌ “I like coffee shops better then bars.”
- This misuse changes the sentence. It suggests something happens after bars, not a comparison
- ✅ Corrected: “I like coffee shops better than bars.”
Example 2: News Headline
❌ “The policy is more effective then before.”
- Incorrect, because it’s a comparison between past and present.
- ✅ Corrected: “The policy is more effective than before.”
Example 3: Student Essay
❌ “I would rather study at home then in the library.”
- Wrong, because “rather… than” is a fixed phrase.
- ✅ Corrected: “I would rather study at home than in the library.”
These cases show how a small slip can make writing look careless – or worse, change meaning completely.
Memory Tricks to Remember the Difference
Here are some simple ways to keep them apart:
- Then = time, Than = comparison.
- Replace “then” with “at that time.” If it works, use then.
- Replace “than” with “compared to.” If it works, use than.
- Mnemonic: “A is for comparison” → “thAn.”
Quick test:
- “She is taller ___ me.” → “compared to” works → than.
- “We talked, ___ left.” → “at that time” works → then.
Better Than vs Better Then in Formal and Informal Writing
In casual texting, people often slip “then” for “than.” But in professional communication, this can hurt your credibility.
Business Example
❌ “Our product is better then the competition.”
- A mistake like this in marketing copy looks unprofessional.
✅ Correct: “Our product is better than the competition.”
Academic Example
❌ “Shakespeare is better then any other writer of his time.”
✅ Correct: “Shakespeare is better than any other writer of his time.”
Even if people understand what you mean, the wrong word weakens your authority as a writer.
Frequently Confused Phrases Similar to “Than/Then”
It’s not just “better than” that trips people up. Here are other pairs where the confusion shows up:
| Wrong Phrase | Correct Phrase | Why? |
| ❌ Rather then | ✅ Rather than | “Rather than” expresses preference, not sequence. |
| ❌ Other then | ✅ Other than | “Other than” means “except for.” |
| ❌ More then | ✅ More than | “More than” is about quantity or comparison. |
| ❌ Less then | ✅ Less than | Always about comparison, so use “than.” |
Expert Tips for Avoiding the Mix-Up
Even experienced writers make mistakes. Here are strategies to avoid them:
- Proofread carefully. Look for “then/than” errors specifically.
- Use grammar tools. Tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid catch this mix-up.
- Read aloud. If “at that time” doesn’t make sense, you probably need “than.”
- Learn set phrases. Memorize common expressions (e.g., “rather than,” “every now and then”).
Quote from The Chicago Manual of Style:
“Precision in word choice is one of the hallmarks of good writing. Mixing up ‘then’ and ‘than’ undermines clarity and credibility.”
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between Better Than or Better Then is more than just a grammar rule – it’s about clarity and confidence in communication. When you choose the correct word, your message becomes precise and professional. “Than” compares, while “then” shows sequence or time. Many native speakers still make this mistake, but once you learn the logic behind it, you’ll easily avoid confusion. I’ve seen students go from hesitation to mastery after realizing how these two tiny words can change meaning completely.
In daily writing, whether it’s an essay, email, or casual text, using the right form builds trust and credibility. The phrase “better than” expresses comparison, while “better then” rarely fits grammatically. The best way to remember is through consistent practice and mindful reading. By staying alert to how words function in context, you can make your writing flow naturally. Over time, your sentences will sound smoother, and you’ll feel more confident expressing your ideas clearly and correctly.
FAQs
What does “Better Than or Better Then” mean?
It compares the correct and incorrect use of “than” and “then.”
Which is grammatically right?
“Better than” is the correct phrase.
Why do people confuse them?
They look and sound similar.
When do I use “then”?
Use it for time or sequence.
When do I use “than”?
Use it for comparison.
Can “better then” ever be right?
Rarely, only in time-based contexts.
How can I remember the difference?
Think “than = comparison,” “then = time.”
Are “then” and “than” homophones?
No, their sounds differ slightly.
Why is grammar accuracy important?
It improves clarity and professionalism.
How can I practice this rule?
Read, write, and check your usage regularly.
