Successful entrepreneurs know they can't possibly be good at everything! So if your grammar or spelling is less than perfect, rest assured that you're not alone! I'll post two or three grammar tips per week. I'd love to take special requests, so post your questions below!
Then and Than — That is the Question!
Using these two words incorrectly is a very common mistake. I find when I edit a client's work, I see repeat mistakes. People who create their own content usually have a handle on most grammatical standards. The problems are usually one or two mistakes that they make each time they write. It's no big deal. I don't have to know how to fix my car engine in order to drive! Usually the copy is compelling, and the stories are interesting. These elements are more important than perfect grammar. But if you're wanting to have near perfect copy without the help of an editor, then you will want to understand at least about your specific mistakes! So if you confuse the words "then" and "than," read on!
Understanding the Logic
Understanding the logic can help, but I'll also share some strategies that might be more helpful for people with different learning styles.
The word "then" refers to time and sequence. If the context refers to what comes next or simply when something happens, then you should use the word "then." Notice in the last sentence that I used "then" because I was explaining when you should use the word. I could easily replace "then" with the words "that is when." See below:
If the context refers to what comes next or simply when something happens, that is when you should use the word "then."
The word "than" is used in comparisons. Use "than" when the context of your sentence has to do with comparing two or more things.
Examples
Than
I love almond milk better than soy milk.
My dog is stronger than your dog.
I bet I'm shorter than you!
If I had limited space in my garden, I would prefer to grow edible flowers rather than flowers that can't be eaten.
Then
I first heard the tragic news from my daughter, then I heard more details on the news.
First mix the dry ingredients, then stir in the milk.
I started to drive to your house, then I realized you were out of town.
Strategies
For most people, it's best to turn the "editor" mode off when you write. That's the way I work. I write first, then I edit. I sometimes find errors in my writing on day two, so I keep checking. (Incidentally, if you happen to see something wrong once I publish this, do let me know! )
If you're writing effective copy on a regular basis, please don't change your process. Here are a couple of suggestions that might help you with this particular grammar fix:
- After you write, use the find feature to find all of the instances of "then" and "than." Do them one at a time.
- Keep this cheat sheet next to your computer: Then = time or sequence. Than = comparison.
- You can also word your cheat sheet this way: Then — Does this tell me when something happens or should happen? Than — Does this compare two or more things? What does it compare?
- Change as needed while you go through your article using the "find" feature.
- Pronunciation. For a few days, pronounce the two words differently. Write or gather some sentences for each word. Recite the sentences out loud while looking at the words. This will combine the visual and auditory pathways. In some cases, this might serve to change your brain's perception of the two words to the point where you actually write the words correctly while in writing mode.
I'd love to know if this was helpful! Please let me know what other topics you need help with. Do you have any other strategies for determining when to use "then" and "than"? Do share them here!
And if you'd rather have an editor take care of this for you, contact me! I edit your content for grammar, spelling and SEO! I make headline and formatting suggestions too! See my Black Friday Special now!
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Hi Christine,
Thanks for the reinforcement of when to use then and than. I had looked them up a few months ago but had forgotten the rules so do appreciate the reminder. It will help me by connecting ‘when’ to ‘then’.
What about the rules for ‘it’s’ vs. ‘it is?’ Spell checker is always wanting to change my it’s to it is? Sometimes I let spell checker win and sometimes I choose to ignore it.
That last sentence reminds me of another question? When to use ‘choose’ vs. ‘chose?’
Thanks for your helpful blog.
Hi Pat, My mind mixed up your request! I thought you were asking the difference between “it’s” and “its.” When I write about “it’s” I’ll cover all three! (They are really two!)
And thanks for sharing my article!
Christiane
great article!
Very useful info! Thanks for sharing:)
Your work sounds very rewarding, yet tedious. This is a great post and I will sahre on Twitter.
Grammar was my major. However, I have a problem I call type-lexia. My fingers and brain go at different speeds and the result is far too many typos, espcially on FB and Twitter. Blogs, docs, articles are generally okay because I edit them over a few days. Anyway, this is a common problem and these are excellent tips to correct the mistakes.
Carl, Even editors need editors! I think “type-lexia” may be more common that you think!
Christiane
Haha! Thanks for this post. Even as a writer, I often need to stop and think about the use of then and than!! Love this.
I love this. I will also write no matter what, now that I have rmeembered, with the help of some friends and the internet, that I am and can be creative. My writing is not perfect, and I have a lot to learn. I hope to be able keep reading your inspirational and hopeful writing. Great read!
This is a great tip! My husband always keeps this little book with him called “Write Right,” which come to think of it, is more clever than grammatically correct! (But “Write Correctly” doesn’t have the same alliteration.) Thanks for sharing your insights.
Love the tips on “than” or “then”. You know, growing up in the U.S, I always kinda knew when to use “than” or “then”, but if I had to describe it to somebody, I would have no clue because I never understood the rules. It was just inherently built in. Thanks for breaking that down.
Wonderful article! This is so informative and will help so many! Thanks!
Thank you for the clarity 🙂
great tips! My twins are 5 and have some grammar issues and I’m always so proud of myself when I catch them. “mommy I throwed the ball!”. 🙂 Yay, I knew that was wrong and why— go me!
Christine, thanks for refreshing my memory. When I worked as an executive secretary, I knew all of this. When I got into sales…it didn’t seem as important….THEN the internet came along! Now, content, without errors is a must. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to your next article.
Thanks for a great post! Grammar misuse is one of my pet peeves!! I have tweeted this to pass it along!
While everyone agrees valuable content is key it can be distracting when improper grammar is used! Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Great tips on Then and Than! I will be sharing your expertise 🙂
Great tips Christiane – I have always had a passion for “proofreading” — Won the spelling bees in elementary school! HA — Love what you are doing here to help everyone in a very teachable way understand the ins and outs of good grammar!
Totally enjoying the grammar distinctions, Christiane! Thanks for sharing wonderful tips with some amazing examples.
So annoying to read posts with bad spelling and grammar. I was reading one the other day complaining about other people’s posts being misspelled or misused and found several in their post. Spell check is great but if you type “or” instead of “of” it will still show correct spelling but make no sense. There, their and they’re also get confused often. Thanks for sharing.
Great reminders for us anal lits!! I edit and re-edit more “than” I should. But “then”, who else is going to correct my stuffl! great job today!
Thanks for sharing Christiane! Then and than are always tricky for me – even as a writer, lol!
Great article here… so much information. Valuable! Thanks for making things so clear…