It was a simple sentence: “I love you more then you know.”
At first glance, it looks fine. But is it correct? This is exactly where most people get stuck with then or than. These two words sound the same, but their meanings are completely different.
Because of this, students, bloggers, and even fluent speakers often make mistakes in comparisons, expressions, and everyday writing.
People search for then or than meaning, then or than examples, and phrases like better then or than because they want one clear rule. This article removes that confusion.
You’ll learn the difference, see real-life examples, avoid common errors, and confidently choose the right word every time.
Quick Answer
Then is used for time, order, or result.
Than is used for comparisons.
Examples:
- Finish your work, then relax.
- She is taller than her sister.
The Origin of Then or Than
The word then comes from Old English þanne, meaning at that time or after that. It has always been connected with time and sequence.
Than comes from Old English þonne, which was used in comparisons. Over time, English separated the meanings to reduce confusion, but pronunciation stayed the same. That’s why spelling matters so much today—meaning depends entirely on the written form.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British and American English for these words.
Comparison Table
| Word | British English | American English |
| then | then | then |
| than | than | than |
| Meaning | Same | Same |
| Usage rules | Same | Same |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Your audience does not change the spelling. The rule is simple:
- Use then for time, sequence, or results
- Use than for comparisons
Whether you write for the US, UK, or a global audience, correct usage is what matters.
Common Mistakes with Then or Than
❌ She is better then me
✅ She is better than me
❌ I’ll call you than
✅ I’ll call you then
❌ I love you more then anything
✅ I love you more than anything
Then or Than in Everyday Examples
Emails
- Send the file, then wait for approval.
- This option is cheaper than the other one.
News
- The meeting ended, then the announcement was made.
- Prices are higher than last year.
Social Media
- Workout first, then chill 😎
- This phone is better than mine 📱
Formal Writing
- The process was reviewed, then approved.
- The results were better than expected.
Then or Than – Meaning Explained Simply
Meaning of Then
- Time: at that moment
- Order: what comes next
- Result: if X happens, then Y happens
Examples:
- Back then, life was simple.
- If it rains, then we stay home.
Meaning of Than
- Used after comparatives
- Shows difference between two things
Examples:
- Older than me
- More expensive than before
Then or Than – Common Search Queries Explained
Less Than (Not Then)
✔ Correct: less than
❌ Wrong: less then
- This costs less than $10.
I Love You More Than
✔ Always than
- I love you more than words can say.
Better Than
✔ Always than
- This solution is better than the last one.
Okay Then / Alright Then
✔ Correct word: then
- Okay then, let’s start.
- Alright then, see you later.
No Sooner Than
✔ Fixed expression with than
- No sooner than he arrived, it started raining.
Comparison Table: Then vs Than
| Feature | Then | Than |
| Part of speech | Adverb | Conjunction |
| Used for | Time / sequence | Comparison |
| Example | Eat, then sleep | Faster than light |
Then or Than – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search interest for then or than is highest among:
- Students and exam candidates
- ESL learners
- Content writers and bloggers
Most searches come from non-native English regions where pronunciation causes spelling confusion, especially in comparisons and expressions.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between then and than?
Then shows time or order; than shows comparison.
2. Is “I love you more then” correct?
No. The correct form is more than.
3. Can then be used in conditions?
Yes. If this happens, then that happens.
4. Is less then ever correct?
No. It is always less than.
5. Are there British and American differences?
No. Both use the same spelling and rules.
6. How can I remember the difference?
Comparisons need than. Time needs then.
Conclusion
The confusion between these two words is common, but the rule is simple once you focus on meaning. One word deals with time and sequence, while the other compares things.
Reading your sentence carefully and asking “Am I comparing?” or “Am I talking about time?” will guide you instantly. With practice, correct usage becomes automatic. Clear writing starts with small details—and mastering this difference is one of them.
