Use then for time or sequence and than for comparisons. “We checked the route, then took the shorter trail” gives the order of events. “This trail is shorter than the other one” compares them.
Check what the sentence is doing
- “The shop was smaller back then.” The word points to a past time.
- “Pack the books, then tape the box.” The word marks the next step.
- “Rosa arrived earlier than I did.” The sentence compares two arrival times.
Recognize if … then and fixed comparisons
In “If the door is locked, then call the front desk,” then points to what follows from the condition. In rather than or other than, keep the spelling with an a.
Try it
“The second sketch took longer ___ the first. I took a break, ___ added the labels.”
Show the answer
Use than for the comparison and then for the next action.
See also Weather vs. Whether.
