Words Students Confuse - then and than

ScottsEnglish

Many words in English sound like other words.

One pair of words students often confuse is then and than

Then is used to indicate time. For example, one event comes after another.

Examples:

She turned off the computer, and then she went to bed.
If I had a lot of money, then I would travel around the world.

Than shows comparison (comparing two things)

Examples:

Arnold is stronger than Tom.
The plane can fly higher than any other plane.

Now, answer the following questions using then or than:

1. I think the Brazilian economy is growing faster ____________ the Mexican economy.
2. When she finds the job she wants, ______________ she will buy a house.
3. Now and _______________ (remember: time), we need to stop moving and relax.

1. I thin Brazilian economy is growing faster than the Mexican economy.
2. When she finds the job she wants, then she will buy a house.
3. Now and then we need to stop moving and relax.