If you’ve ever written better than or better then and paused, wondering which one’s right—you’re not alone. This mix-up is one of the most common grammar mistakes in English. At first glance, “than” and “then” look and sound similar, but they play very different roles in a sentence. Using the wrong one can change the meaning entirely or make your writing sound awkward.
This guide clears up the confusion once and for all. With examples, tables, idioms, synonyms, and memory tricks, you’ll not only know the difference—you’ll remember it for good.
Understanding the Confusion Between “Than” and “Then”
The confusion comes down to two simple facts:
- Both words look similar (just one letter apart).
- Both are used in comparisons or sequences of ideas.
But in grammar terms, they belong to two different categories:
| Word | Part of Speech | Function | Example |
| Than | Conjunction / Preposition | Used for comparisons | She is taller than me. |
| Then | Adverb / Noun / Adjective | Refers to time, order, or consequence | We had dinner, then watched a movie. |
So when you’re making comparisons, “than” is the right choice.
Quick Answer: The Correct Phrase Is “Better Than”
If you’re short on time, here’s the bottom line:
✅ Correct: This coffee is better than the one I had yesterday.
❌ Incorrect: This coffee is better then the one I had yesterday.
Better than is always correct because you’re comparing two things. “Then” doesn’t work in comparisons—it refers to time or sequence.
Why People Mix Up “Than” and “Then”
Here’s why even native speakers sometimes slip:
- Sound similarity: Both are pronounced with a short e sound in casual speech.
- Typing errors: Auto-correct or fast typing often switches them.
- Lack of grammar awareness: Many people know “then” as a “filler” word, so they wrongly use it in comparisons.
Think of it like this:
- If you’re comparing, always use than.
- If you’re sequencing, always use then.
Grammar Explanation: When to Use “Than”
“Than” is a conjunction (sometimes preposition) used in comparisons. It links the two things being compared.
Examples:
- This laptop is better than the old one.
- She’s more confident than her colleagues.
- I’d rather walk than take the bus.
Grammar rule:
Use than after comparative adjectives (better, faster, stronger, taller, more, less).
Grammar Explanation: When to Use “Then”
“Then” is mostly an adverb of time or sequence. It means at that time, after that, or in that case.
Examples:
- I’ll eat lunch, then go for a walk.
- If you’re ready, then let’s start.
- Back then, things were different.
Notice how none of these are comparisons—they’re about time, order, or consequence.
Common Idioms and Phrases With “Than”
Here are a few idiomatic expressions that always use than:
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Better late than never | It’s better to do something late than not at all | He finally apologized—better late than never! |
| Easier said than done | Something is harder to do than it sounds | Quitting sugar is easier said than done. |
| More fun than a barrel of monkeys | Extremely fun | That party was more fun than a barrel of monkeys. |
| No sooner… than | Immediately after | No sooner had we arrived than it started raining. |
Common Idioms and Phrases With “Then”
And here are some expressions that only work with then:
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| Back then | Referring to the past | Life was simpler back then. |
| Every now and then | Occasionally | We go hiking every now and then. |
| Until then | Up to that time | Stay safe until then. |
| And then some | Even more than expected | He gave me what I asked for, and then some. |
Real-Life Examples of “Better Than” in Sentences
- This movie is better than the original.
- Running in the morning feels better than running at night.
- Good communication is better than constant guessing in relationships.
Notice the pattern: comparison words + than.
Wrong Examples of “Better Then” and Why They’re Incorrect
Let’s see how better then creates nonsense:
| Wrong Sentence | Why It’s Wrong | Corrected |
| This pizza tastes better then the other one. | “Then” refers to time, not comparison. | This pizza tastes better than the other one. |
| She runs faster better then her friend. | Illogical sequence. | She runs faster than her friend. |
| My idea is better then yours. | Comparison error. | My idea is better than yours. |
Synonyms for “Better Than” You Can Use
If you want to avoid repeating “better than,” here are alternatives:
| Synonym / Phrase | Example |
| Superior to | This phone is superior to last year’s model. |
| Outshines | Her performance outshines everyone else’s. |
| Beats | Coffee beats energy drinks any day. |
| Tops | That story tops all the others I’ve heard. |
| Surpasses | His kindness surpasses expectations. |
Synonyms for “Then” You Can Use
Sometimes you don’t want to keep saying “then.” Try these instead:
| Synonym / Phrase | Example |
| Afterward | We had dinner; afterward, we walked home. |
| Next | She finished her homework; next, she played guitar. |
| At that time | Back then, at that time, things were harder. |
| Subsequently | He graduated, subsequently started his own company. |
| Later on | Let’s talk later on. |
Comparison Table: Than vs Then
Here’s the ultimate cheat sheet:
| Word | Function | Used For | Example |
| Than | Conjunction/Preposition | Comparisons | She’s smarter than him. |
| Then | Adverb | Time/Sequence/Consequence | We ate, then left. |
Rule to remember: If you’re comparing → use than. If it’s about time/order → use then.
Memory Tricks to Never Confuse “Than” and “Then” Again
- Than = Comparison. Both words end in “-an.” (companison).
- Then = Time. Both words start with “t.” (t = time).
- Rhyme trick: If it’s comparison, use “than.” If it’s time, “then” is the plan.
Professional Writing: Why “Better Than” Matters in Business and Academic English
In resumes, essays, and professional reports, using the wrong form can hurt credibility. For example:
❌ Our service is better then competitors.
✅ Our service is better than competitors.
The first one looks sloppy and unprofessional. A single word can change how polished your communication appears.
Everyday Conversations: How to Naturally Use “Better Than”
- “This playlist is way better than yesterday’s one.”
- “She cooks pasta better than anyone I know.”
- “Honestly, taking a nap sounds better than working right now.”
Notice how casual speech still relies on the same rule.
Cultural References: Songs, Movies, and Quotes Using “Better Than”
You’ll find “better than” everywhere:
- Motivational quotes: “Be better than you were yesterday.”
- Pop culture: titles like Better Than Revenge (song).
- Sports commentary: “That shot was better than anything we’ve seen this season.”
Examples From Literature and Journalism
Writers often use comparisons to create vivid imagery:
- “The truth is always better than a lie, no matter how painful.”
- “Nothing tastes better than success after years of struggle.”
Journalists also rely on the phrase when comparing statistics or reports.
Common ESL Mistakes With “Than” vs “Then”
Non-native speakers often:
- Say then when they mean than.
- Translate directly from their native language, where the words might not exist separately.
Fix: Practice with side-by-side examples until it feels natural.
Quick Practice Exercises to Test Yourself
Fill in the blanks with than or then:
- She is taller ___ her brother.
- We’ll eat dinner, ___ go for a walk.
- My idea sounds better ___ his.
- If you’re sure, ___ let’s do it.
Answers:
- than
- then
- than
- then
Better Than vs. Better Then: Final Word
Here’s the golden takeaway:
- Always write better than when comparing.
- Save then for time, order, or consequence.
Getting this right makes your writing clearer, smarter, and more professional.
FAQs
Q1: Is “better then” ever correct?
No. “Better then” is always a mistake in standard English.
Q2: Can “then” ever follow “better”?
Only if it’s part of a new clause. Example: “The movie was better. Then we went home.”
Q3: How can I quickly check if I should use “than”?
Ask yourself: Am I comparing two things? If yes, use than.
Q4: Which is more common in English—“than” or “then”?
“Then” is used more often in everyday conversation, but “than” is essential in comparisons.
Q5: Why does this mistake matter?
Because it affects clarity, grammar accuracy, and professionalism. Using “better then” instead of “better than” can make readers doubt your command of English.
