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Words Students Confuse - then and than

ScottsEnglishScottsEnglish Administrator Posts: 1,296 admin ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭
edited October 2018 in Grammar
Many people confuse the words then and than.

"Then" is an adverb of time. It answers the question "when?" For example, "I am going to the bank, then I am going to the store", or, in conditional sentences, such as, "If I had his phone number, (then) I could get his answer immediately." Then is not necessary in conditional sentences, "If I had his phone number, I could get his answer immediately" is fine as well.

"Than" is used for comparison. 

Bill Gates has more money than me.
My brother is shorter than I am.

Choose than or then for the following sentences:

1. I answered the phone, _______________ I made myself a small coffee.
2. She said she could finish faster _______________ me.
3. The doctor requested blood work and _______________ she would make a diagnosis.
4. This product is more expensive _______________ its competition, and better made.
5. I expect your next report to be better ________________ this one.
6. When you've finished washing the dishes, could you ______________ put them away?

Click here for the correct answers.

1. I answered the phone, then I made myself a small coffee.
2. She said she could finish faster than me.
3. The doctor requested blood work and then she would make a diagnosis.
4. This product is more expensive than its competition and better made.
5. I expect your next report to be better than this one.
6. When you've finished washing the dishes, could you then put them away?

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