Then and Than

Z0Marley · Jun 4, 2009

I feel completely ignorant. So after three books and 250,000 words later, I'm finding myself getting more and more confused on when to use the two words. Of course, my own grammar check in word catches it and lets me know when I'm doing it wrong, but I do not want to become dependant on that. I want to know when to use it and when not to.

When do I use then, and when do I use than? What are the exceptions. If they're overwhelming, please feel free to overwhelm me. :tongue

Thank you!

CDaniel · Jun 4, 2009

I would like to know myself acutally, cause I always get confused with them too. And I don't want to becaome dependent on the grammer check either.

Ludka · Jun 4, 2009

Than deals with varying levels or comparisons.

Greater than, less than.
Mark is smarter than I am.
Joe is taller than Mark.

Then deals with time or sequence.

First, you beat the eggs, then you add the flour.
I went to Spain, then Rome, then Alabama.
If you want to go, then go.

Z0Marley · Jun 4, 2009

Ludka said:
Than deals with varying levels or comparisons.

Greater than, less than.
Mark is smarter than I am.
Joe is taller than Mark.

Then deals with time or sequence.

First, you beat the eggs, then you add the flour.
I went to Spain, then Rome, then Alabama.
If you want to go, then go.

Exactly what I was looking for -- thank you!

CaroGirl · Jun 4, 2009

I'm glad someone was able to help because I'm confused about what could possibly be confusing about those two completely different words.

Of course, I never know whether to use affect or effect, so what do I know?

Ludka · Jun 4, 2009

CaroGirl said:
I'm glad someone was able to help because I'm confused about what could possibly be confusing about those two completely different words.

Of course, I never know whether to use affect or effect, so what do I know?

Bam: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141222

Timoun · Jun 4, 2009

Then he noticed that one was better than the other.

Matera the Mad · Jun 4, 2009

Read my sig (guess I should leave it on more often)

Z0Marley · Jun 5, 2009

CaroGirl said:
I'm glad someone was able to help because I'm confused about what could possibly be confusing about those two completely different words.

Twenty things that make you feel even worse about asking a question ^_^

Personally, my mother always used than for everything. It's just the way another southerner slaughtered the language. Sometimes when you hear something your entire life, it's hard to distinguish what is right and wrong. I did warn that I was ignorant.

Ludka · Jun 5, 2009

Don't feel bad. That's what we're here for.

Then and Than

Z0Marley

CDaniel

Writing for the brand

Ludka

Hath more hair than wit

Z0Marley

CaroGirl

Living the dream

Ludka

Hath more hair than wit

Timoun

Death will be anticlimactic

Matera the Mad

Bartender, gimme a Linux Mint

Z0Marley

Ludka

Hath more hair than wit