It is a topic that highlights a common writing mistake- mixing up “better than” or “better then.” The two phrases may sound similar, but they serve different functions. “Better than” is a comparative phrase, used to show that one thing is superior to another, like saying one writer is better than another. In contrast, “better then” is temporal- it means something improved after a certain point in time.
This mix-up often happens when people write quickly or rely on sound rather than meaning, which can affect clarity, especially in professional communication.
Many confident speakers still hesitate when choosing between “better than” and “better than.” For instance, writing “This version is better than the last” may seem right at first glance, but it’s grammatically incorrect. It’s crucial to understand whether you’re comparing ideas or showing a sequence. Focus on the sentence structure, especially the subject, verb, and object. Use context clues to guide you- ask yourself if you’re setting up a comparison or describing a timeline. This subtle shift in awareness can ensure your message remains clear, accurate, and professional.
Quick Answer: “Better Than” Is Correct
If you’re comparing two things- like skill, quality, or speed- “better than” is always the right choice.
✅ Correct: She is better than her brother at chess.
❌ Incorrect: She is better then her brother at chess.
Why? Because “than” is used in comparisons. It links the two things being measured.
Understanding the Confusion Between “Then” and “Than”
The confusion often stems from two simple facts:
- They look and sound similar.
- Most people rely on autocorrect, which doesn’t always catch context.
Here’s a helpful chart:
| Word | Function | Meaning | Example |
| Than | Conjunction | Used for comparison | She’s smarter than him. |
| Then | Adverb | Refers to time or sequence | We’ll eat, then go home. |
“Than” vs. “Then”: The Core Difference
Though they may sound similar in fast speech, “than” and “then” play completely different grammatical roles.
“Then”
- Used with comparative adjectives/adverbs
- Introduces the second element in a comparison
Example:
- This phone is faster than that one.
“Then”
- Refers to time, sequence, or result
- Functions as an adverb, noun, or even an adjective
Example:
- First, we rested, then we worked.
When to Use “Than”: Grammar Rules & Examples
Use “than” when comparing two or more people, places, things, or ideas.
Examples of Correct Usage:
- She is taller than he.
- This solution is more effective than the last.
- I’d rather read a book than watch TV.
Key Tip:
“Than” always follows a comparative form. If your sentence includes words like better, faster, taller, more, or use than.
When to Use “Then”: Grammar Rules & Examples
Then is used when talking about time, order, or consequence.
Common Usages of “Then”:
- Time: Back then, phones had cords.
- Sequence: We danced, then we laughed.
- Result: If you’re free, then let’s meet.
Helpful Trick:
If you can replace it with “at that time” or “next”, the correct word is “then.”
“Better Than” – Why It’s the Correct Form
In standard English, “better than” is grammatically correct because:
- “Better” is a comparative adjective
- “Than” is the required conjunction to follow a comparison
Incorrect:
✖ She is better than anyone else.
Correct:
✔ She is better than anyone else.
“Better Than” – When (If Ever) It’s Correct?
While “better than” is generally wrong in comparisons, it can appear correctly if “then” refers to a point in time.
Example:
- She was better then than she is now.
In this sentence, “then” refers to a past time, and “than” makes the comparison.
Side-by-Side Examples: Than vs. Then
Here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown to avoid confusion:
| Sentence | Correct or Not? | Why |
| He is smarter than I. | ❌ Incorrect | “Then” is not used for comparisons. |
| He is smarter than I. | ✅ Correct | “Than” is used after comparatives. |
| First we eat, then we play. | ❌ Incorrect | “Than” can’t be used for sequence. |
| First we eat, then we play. | ✅ Correct | “Then” shows the order of events. |
Common Errors and How to Fix Them
People often write:
- “She’s better than I expected.”
- “I’d rather nap than clean.”
Corrected Versions:
- “She’s better than I expected.”
- “I’d rather nap than clean.”
Quote to Remember:
“If it’s a comparison, it’s then. If it’s time, it’s then.”
Memory Tricks to Avoid the Confusion
Here are a few smart ways to remember which is which:
Mnemonic Devices:
- “ThAn = compArison”
- “ThEn = timE”
- Imagine: Than = taller; Then = time
Visual Trick:
Think of the A in “than” as pointing to A comparison.
The E in “then” stands for Events or time.
Common Phrases & Idioms with “Than” and “Then”
Understanding idiomatic usage helps cement the correct forms in your mind.
With “Than”:
- Better than nothing
- More than meets the eye
- Easier said than done
With “Then”:
- Back then
- Just then
- And then what happened?
Grammar Trivia: Are They Homophones?
In many accents, “than” and “then” are pronounced very similarly, which causes even more confusion.
However, they are not true homophones. Phonetically:
- Then ends with a softer /n/
- Then has a more emphasized /e/ vowel
In careful speech, native speakers do distinguish between the two.
Advanced Usage: Then, as a Preposition and Conjunction
While mostly a conjunction, “than” can sometimes behave like a preposition.
Example as a Preposition:
- He is stronger than I.
(Some grammarians argue this should be “than I,” but in modern usage, “than me” is widely accepted.)
Advanced Usage: Then, as a Transitional Adverb
Writers often use “then” to connect ideas smoothly.
Examples:
- I didn’t believe him. Then I saw the evidence.
- Study first, then relax.
These transitions are essential for narrative flow and clarity.
Mini Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Fill in the blank with “than” or “then”:
- I’d rather stay home ___ go out tonight.
- We had lunch, and ___ went to the mall.
- He’s more talented ___ anyone I know.
- Back ___, we used dial-up internet.
Answers:
- than
- then
- than
- then
What Other Word Pairs Are Just as Confusing?
If you’ve struggled with “then” vs. “than,” you’ll likely find these tricky too:
| Word Pair | Used For | Example |
| Affect vs. Effect | Verb vs. Noun | The weather can affect your mood. |
| Lay vs. Lie | Placement vs. Repose | Please lay the book down. |
| Your vs. You’re | Possessive vs. Contraction | You’re late again! |
| Shone vs. Shown | Light vs. Display | The sun shone brightly. |
| Compliment vs. Complement | Praise vs. Completion | That scarf complements your outfit. |
Explore these in more detail in our full grammar guide.
Recap: Quick Reference Table
Here’s your handy cheat sheet:
| Function | Word | Example |
| Comparison | Than | She’s better than he. |
| Time/Sequence | Then | We rested, then left. |
| Past Time | Then | Back then, it was cheaper. |
| Conditional Result | Then | If it rains, then we’ll cancel. |
The Power of One Letter in Clear Communication
Choosing between “than” and “then” may seem like a tiny detail, but it shapes the clarity of your writing. One letter can change the entire meaning of a sentence.
By remembering this rule of thumb- “than” for comparison, “then” for time or order– you’ll avoid embarrassing mistakes and boost your writing credibility.
Take your time, double-check your sentences, and read them out loud. The more you practice, the more naturally the correct usage will come.
“Better Than” vs. “Better Then”
Is “better than” ever correct?
Only when referring to time, not comparison.
Example: She was better then than now.
Is it “more better than” or “better than”?
“Better than” is correct. “More better” is incorrect due to redundancy.
Can “then” be a noun?
Yes. In sentences like “Until then,” it works as a noun, meaning that time.
Do native speakers mix this up?
Yes, frequently in casual writing, like texts or social media.
Is this tested in English exams?
Absolutely. It’s a common item in tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, SAT, and even professional writing assessments.
Final Thoughts
Language is all about clarity, and sometimes the smallest details- like a single vowel- can completely change what you’re trying to say. That’s exactly the case with “than” and “then.” Whether you’re writing an email, composing a caption, or studying for an exam, knowing the difference between comparison and sequence is crucial.
Here’s the bottom line:
- Use “than” when you’re comparing things.
- Use “then” when you’re talking about time, sequence, or cause and effect.
Take your time with these words. Double-check your sentences. Use reference tools or memory tricks until this becomes second nature. It’s not just about grammar- it’s about making sure your ideas are understood exactly the way you intend.
As English continues to evolve, so does the importance of getting the basics right. Mastering word pairs like “then” vs. “than” will not only sharpen your writing but also boost your confidence in any setting- academic, professional, or personal.
FAQs
What’s the correct phrase: “Better than” or “Better then”?
“Better than” is correct when making a comparison.
Use “than” after comparative adjectives like better, taller, faster, etc.
Is “better than” ever grammatically correct?
Yes- but only when “then” refers to a specific point in time.
Example: “She was better then than she is now.”
Here, “then” means “at that time.”
Why do people often confuse “than” and “then”?
Because they’re visually and phonetically similar, especially in fast or informal speech. Plus, autocorrect often doesn’t catch these subtle contextual mistakes.
Can I say “better than you”?
No. That’s incorrect.
The correct form is: “better than you” because you’re making a comparison.
What’s a quick trick to remember which one to use?
Think of it like this:
- Than = comparison (both have A)
- Then = time (both have E)
Or use this rhyme:
If you’re comparing, “than” you’re sharing. If it’s time again, go with “then.”
