Time vs. Comparison: The Simple Distinction
While “then” and “than” sound almost identical in casual speech, their grammatical roles in writing are distinct:
Then Or Than Checker
Verify whether to use “then” or “than” with live color-coded grammar highlighting and instant comparison fix suggestions.
Then / Than Found
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Rule & Legend Reference
thenTime / Sequence / Consequence
Use for chronological order, time steps, or If...then conditional statements.
thanComparisons & Preferences
Use when contrasting differences or declaring choices (e.g. better than, rather than).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between "then" and "than"?
"Then" is an adverb primarily related to time, sequence, order, or conditional logic (e.g. "We ate dinner, then left," or "If you work hard, then you will succeed"). "Than" is a conjunction used specifically for comparisons (e.g. "She is taller than her brother," or "More than five hundred people attended").
How can I easily remember then vs than?
Remember the vowel letters: "ThEn" has an "E", just like "timE" and "sequEncE". "ThAn" has an "A", just like "compArison". If you are comparing two things, choose "than".
Is it "more then" or "more than"?
It is always "more than"! Because "more" is a comparative qualifier, it must be paired with "than" (e.g., "more than enough", "more than ten dollars"). Using "more then" is a grammatical error.
Is it "rather then" or "rather than"?
It is always "rather than". "Rather" expresses a preference or comparison between two alternatives (e.g., "I prefer tea rather than coffee").
Does this tool store my text?
No. All grammar analysis occurs 100% inside your browser session with zero server tracking.