Commonly Confused Words: Then and Than

Commonly Confused Words: Then and Than

I can identify the correct word to use in a sentence and in my own writing.

Than

• Than is used when you’re making a comparison.

• Ex. Simon is older than Sebastian.

• The phrase other than is used to mean “except” or “apart from.”

• Ex. Other than soccer practice, I have no plans.

Then

• Then is used to when you’re talking about time. It can mean “next” or “at that time.”

• Ex. First, wash your hands, then set the table. 

• Then is also used in if/then statements.

• Ex. If you don’t finish that burger, then I will!

Multiple Choice

Break the eggs into the bowl and ______ whisk them together.

• then

• than

Multiple Choice

During field day, the students played soccer, basketball, and _____ ran a race.

• Than

• Then

Multiple Choice

He thought he could handle the money better _____ I could.

• then

• than

Multiple Choice

I'd rather go out tonight _____ this afternoon.

• then

• than

Multiple Choice

I can not believe you talked faster ______ a speeding bullet and _____ walked away.

• than, than
• than, then
• then, then
• then, than

Multiple Choice

If you are shorter ______ me, _____ please sit down.

• than, than
• than, then
• then, then
• then, than