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Than or Then?

What is the difference between "than" and "then"?

Than
The word "than" introduces a comparison. It is most often seen
with comparatives and words like "more," "less," and "fewer."

 Craig is smarter than Paul.


("Smarter" is a comparative.)
 Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons.
(Actor Woody Allen)
("Better" is a comparative.)
 Russia is even more spacious than Canada.
("More spacious" is a comparative.)
 I have less space than you, but I also have fewer
workers than you.

Then

Then" relates to time or means "in that case."

It is most commonly used as an adverb. It has the following meanings:

For example:
 I was fitter then.
(Here, "then" relates to a past time.)
 Run to the lake then jump in.
(Here, "then" relates to a future time.)
 If you're not happy, then leave.
(Here, "then" means "in that case.")
The word "then" usually relates to time.
Subsequently or afterwards
 Go to the traffic lights, then turn right.
 It went dark, then there was a scream.
 The council members argued for three days then eventually came
to a decision.

As a consequence, or in that case.

 If you had cleaned your teeth properly, then you wouldn't be in


this predicament.
 You're certain then?
 If that's how you feel, let it go then.

At that time or that time.


 I was much fitter back then.
 She used to holiday in Sri Lanka as it was then known.
 The schedule will be completed before then.
 It was the responsibility of the then team captain to account for
the trophies in the cabinet.
(In this example, "then" is an adjective.)

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