Than vs. Then : Quelle est la différence ?
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'than' for comparisons and 'then' for time or sequences.
- Use 'than' when comparing two things: 'She is taller than him.'
- Use 'then' for time or order: 'We ate, then we left.'
- Use 'then' for consequences: 'If it rains, then we stay home.'
Overview
than et then en écrivant un mail ou un message, rassure-toi : tu n'es pas seul. Pour nous, francophones, ces deux mots sont de véritables pièges. Pourquoi ?Than est une conjonction utilisée exclusivement pour la comparaison. C'est l'équivalent de notre « que » dans « plus que » ou « moins que ». À l'inverse, then est un adverbe de temps ou de logique. Il sert à dire « alors », « ensuite » ou « à ce moment-là ».Than : La ComparaisonThan n'a qu'une seule mission dans la vie : servir de pivot entre deux éléments que l'on compare. Il introduit toujours le deuxième terme d'une comparaison.This coffee is better than yesterday's.than fait le lien entre this coffee et yesterday's coffee. Sans lui, la comparaison s'effondre. Il est indissociable des comparatifs de supériorité (les mots en -er comme taller, faster) ou de l'utilisation de more et less.Then : Le Temps et la LogiqueThen est beaucoup plus polyvalent, mais il ne compare jamais rien. Son rôle est de situer une action dans le temps ou dans une suite logique. On peut le traduire de trois façons selon le contexte :- 1La séquence (Ensuite / Puis) : Pour lister des étapes.
I finished my work, then I went home.(J'ai fini mon travail, puis je suis rentré.)
- 1Le moment précis (À cette époque / À ce moment-là) : Pour faire référence à un point dans le temps.
Life was simpler back then.(La vie était plus simple à l'époque.)
- 1La conséquence logique (Alors / Dans ce cas) : Souvent utilisé avec
if.
If you're tired, then you should sleep.(Si tu es fatigué, alors tu devrais dormir.)
ThanThan suit presque toujours un adjectif comparatif. C'est une règle très rigide en anglais.than | He is taller than his brother. | Il est plus grand que son frère. |More + Adjectif long + than | This book is more interesting than the movie. | Ce livre est plus intéressant que le film. |Less + Adjectif + than | The train is less expensive than the plane. | Le train est moins cher que l'avion. |Rather + Verbe + than | I would rather stay than leave. | Je préférerais rester plutôt que de partir. |ThenThen est un adverbe, il est donc plus mobile dans la phrase, même s'il se place souvent en début de proposition ou à la fin.then Action 2. | We ate dinner, then we watched a movie. |If [Condition], then [Résultat]. | If it rains, then we will stay inside. |then. | I was living in Paris then. |Then, [Phrase]. | Then, what happened next? |than pour les opinions, les préférences et les mesures.than qu'il te faut. C'est très fréquent quand on discute de projets ou de choix personnels.- Au bureau :
This strategy is more effective than the previous one.(On compare deux stratégies.) - En voyage :
I'd rather visit London than New York this year.(On exprime une préférence entre deux destinations.) - En faisant du shopping :
Is this shirt more expensive than that one?(On compare les prix.)
then pour les instructions, les récits et les déductions.Then est ton meilleur ami pour organiser tes idées de manière chronologique ou logique.- Donner des instructions :
First, log in. Then, click on the dashboard.(On indique l'ordre des étapes.) - Raconter une anecdote :
I saw him at the market, and then he just disappeared!(On raconte ce qui s'est passé ensuite.) - Conclure une discussion :
Okay, if everyone agrees, then we can start the project.(On tire une conclusion logique.)
next (ensuite) ou at that time (à ce moment-là), alors c'est then. Si tu as un mot comme better, worse, more ou less juste avant, c'est presque toujours than.- 1La confusion phonétique (L'erreur n°1)
than) et le son « en » (de then) sont très distincts. Mais en anglais rapide, ils se ressemblent énormément. Beaucoup de Français écrivent then au lieu de than parce qu'ils pensent au « que » français (qui contient un 'e').- *Faux :*
She is smarter then me. - *Juste :*
She is smarter than me. - Pourquoi ? Parce qu'il s'agit d'une comparaison. Rappelle-toi : A pour Autre chose (comparaison), E pour Ensuite (temps).
- 1Le pronom après
than(Than IvsThan me)
taller than I (am). Cependant, dans la vie de tous les jours, tout le monde dit taller than me.- Conseil : Utilise
than meà l'oral et dans tes emails habituels. Gardethan Iuniquement pour des rapports académiques très formels.
- 1L'influence du « alors »
then couvre ces deux aspects, mais attention à ne pas l'utiliser pour comparer.- *Erreur typique :*
I like this one more then that.(Ici, le cerveau français fait un mix bizarre). - *Correction :*
I like this one more than that.
- 1La redondance du
if... then
then est optionnel.If you come, we will go to the cinema.(Très naturel)If you come, then we will go to the cinema.(Plus emphatique, insiste sur la conséquence).
then à chaque fois que tu as un if.Than (Comparaison) | Utilisation de Then (Temps/Logique) |I like steak more than fish. | I'll have the steak, then the cake. |It's colder today than yesterday. | It was cold in the morning, then it got sunny. |I have more emails than you. | Check your emails, then reply to the client. |Rather than arguing, let's talk. | If we argue, then we won't find a solution. |than crée un rapport de valeur ou de quantité entre deux choses, alors que then crée un rapport d'ordre ou de causalité.Than se prononce avec un /æ/ (comme dans cat), un son très ouvert où on baisse bien la mâchoire. Then se prononce avec un /e/ court (comme dans bed). Si tu parles vite, la différence s'estompe, c'est pourquoi l'erreur est si fréquente à l'écrit, même chez les natifs !then pour dire « donc » ?so, tu peux utiliser then en fin de phrase pour valider une information.You're coming with us, then? (Tu viens avec nous, alors / donc ?)different than au lieu de different from ?different from. Mais aux États-Unis, different than est extrêmement courant. Les deux sont acceptés, même si different from reste plus « propre » pour un examen de grammaire.Paris is different than I imagined. (Paris est différente de ce que j'imaginais).- ThAn = Autre (pour comparer avec un autre élément).
- ThEn = Ensuite (pour l'étape suivante).
Usage Patterns for Than and Then
| Word | Function | Common Preceding Words | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Than
|
Comparison
|
more, less, -er adjectives, rather
|
Better than ever.
|
|
Then
|
Time (Sequence)
|
First, Next, And
|
And then he left.
|
|
Then
|
Time (Point)
|
Back, Just, Since
|
Back then, we were young.
|
|
Then
|
Consequence
|
If, Since
|
If so, then what?
|
|
Then
|
Adjective
|
The
|
The then-mayor.
|
Meanings
The words 'than' and 'then' are often confused because they sound similar, but 'than' is used for comparisons while 'then' indicates time, sequence, or result.
Comparison
Used to introduce the second element in a comparison.
“He is faster than a speeding bullet.”
“Nothing is better than a cold drink on a hot day.”
Time/Sequence
Used to indicate what happens next in a series of events.
“First, wash your hands, then start cooking.”
“We lived in London then.”
Consequence/Logic
Used in 'if-then' constructions to show a result.
“If you are tired, then you should sleep.”
“If 2+2=4, then 4-2=2.”
Reference Table
| Mot | Fonction | Exemple |
|---|---|---|
|
`than`
|
Comparaison
|
She is taller `than` her brother.
|
|
`then`
|
Séquence (Ensuite)
|
I went to the gym, `then` I went to work.
|
|
`than`
|
Comparaison (avec `more`)
|
This is more difficult `than` I thought.
|
|
`then`
|
À un moment précis
|
I was living in London back `then`.
|
|
`than`
|
Comparaison (avec `less`)
|
The movie was less exciting `than` the book.
|
|
`then`
|
Conséquence (Si... alors)
|
If you're tired, `then` you should rest.
|
|
`than`
|
Utilisé avec `rather`
|
I would rather have coffee `than` tea.
|
|
`then`
|
Signifie 'dans ce cas'
|
A: "I'm busy." B: "Okay, I'll ask you later `then`."
|
Spectre de formalité
The current proposal is more comprehensive than the previous iteration. (business/casual)
This plan is better than the last one. (business/casual)
This one's way better than that. (business/casual)
This one's miles better than that trash. (business/casual)
Than vs. Then
Lequel utiliser ?
Compares-tu deux choses ?
Parles-tu de temps, de séquence ou de conséquence ?
Les rôles de Than & Then
THAN (Comparaison)
- Taller than Comparaison
- More than Comparaison
- Rather than Préférence
THEN (Temps/Ordre)
- First... then Séquence
- Back then Moment précis
- If... then Conséquence
Catégories de mots
Mots de comparaison
- • Than
- • As
- • Like
- • Versus
Mots de temps/séquence
- • Then
- • Next
- • After
- • Finally
Exemples par niveau
I am taller than you.
First eat, then play.
This apple is bigger than that one.
I will see you then.
She runs faster than her brother.
We went to the park, then we went home.
I would rather have water than juice.
If you are ready, then let's go.
The movie was much better than I expected.
I lived in Paris then, so I spoke French every day.
There is no other way than to tell the truth.
Finish your homework, and then you can watch TV.
The results were more significant than previously thought.
But then, we must consider the environmental impact.
He is more of a mentor than a boss to me.
Since you've finished, then you're free to leave.
No sooner had I arrived than the meeting began.
The then-current regulations were quite restrictive.
It was more a cry for help than a demand.
Then again, we could just stay home.
The proposal was less a solution than a stopgap measure.
He was a man of the then-dominant social class.
Rather than succumb to pressure, she resigned.
If that is the case, then so be it.
Facile à confondre
Learners think 'rather' is a time-based choice.
Learners confuse the exception with a sequence.
Because it involves time, learners want to use 'then'.
Erreurs courantes
I am taller then you.
I am taller than you.
I eat breakfast than I go to work.
I eat breakfast then I go to work.
I'd rather stay then go.
I'd rather stay than go.
See you than!
See you then!
It was more then enough.
It was more than enough.
Other then that, it was fine.
Other than that, it was fine.
No sooner had he left then it rained.
No sooner had he left than it rained.
Structures de phrases
I like ___ more than ___.
First, I ___, then I ___.
If it ___, then we will ___.
It was less a ___ than a ___.
Real World Usage
See you then!
I have more experience in sales than in marketing.
Whisk the eggs, then add the flour.
Is this one cheaper than the other?
Go past the bank, then turn right.
Nothing better than a beach day!
L'astuce du 'A' vs 'E'
Attention à l'autocorrection
Teste avec 'Next'
Tout le monde fait cette erreur
This is better than that.(pas 'then')
Smart Tips
Check if you can replace the word with 'in comparison to'. If yes, use 'than'.
Check if you can replace the word with 'next'. If yes, use 'then'.
Always pair 'rather' with 'than'. It's a fixed team.
Treat 'more' and 'less' as magnets that pull 'than' toward them.
Prononciation
The Schwa Reduction
In casual speech, both 'than' and 'then' are reduced to /ðən/. You must rely on context to understand which is being used.
Emphasis
When stressed, 'than' sounds like /ðæn/ (rhymes with 'pan') and 'then' sounds like /ðɛn/ (rhymes with 'pen').
Comparative Stress
It's BETTER than that.
Stress falls on the adjective, making 'than' very short.
Sequential Stress
And THEN what?
Stress on 'then' to show surprise or request more info.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
ThAn has an 'A' for Comparison. ThEn has an 'E' for TimE.
Association visuelle
Imagine a balance scale for 'than' (comparing weights) and a clock for 'then' (marking the hours passing).
Rhyme
When you compare, 'than' is there. When time goes by, 'then' is your guy.
Story
I wanted to be faster THAN a car. I practiced every day, and THEN I finally won the race.
Word Web
Défi
Write three sentences about your morning routine using 'then' and two sentences comparing your home to your office using 'than'.
Notes culturelles
Native speakers make this mistake constantly in informal writing (social media). Using it correctly is a sign of high literacy.
In formal logic and mathematics, 'if-then' is the standard. Omitting 'then' is common in casual speech but 'then' is often kept for clarity in complex proofs.
In some dialects, 'than' might be pronounced more like 'then', making the distinction even harder for local learners.
Both words derive from the Old English word 'thanne' or 'thonne'.
Amorces de conversation
Would you rather live in the city or the countryside? Why is one better than the other?
What was life like for you ten years ago? How was it different than now?
Describe your perfect morning routine step-by-step.
If you won the lottery tomorrow, then what would be your first purchase?
Sujets d'écriture
Erreurs courantes
Test Yourself
This restaurant is much better ___ the one we went to last week.
Than est utilisé ici pour comparer la qualité de deux restaurants.Choose the correct sentence:
Then est correct car il indique une séquence d'événements (d'abord le café, ensuite le shopping).Find and fix the mistake:
I think I was more optimistic back than.
then devrait être utilisé, car il fait référence à un point dans le temps passé ('back then').Score: /3
Exercices pratiques
8 exercisesShe is much taller ____ her sister.
We went to the cinema, and ____ we had dinner.
Find and fix the mistake:
I would rather have tea then coffee.
Finish your work. You can go home.
1. Than, 2. Then
If you don't study, ____ you might fail.
He has no other friends ____ me.
Find and fix the mistake:
Which is correct?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesIf you finish your chores, ___ you can have dessert.
Learning a new language is more difficult ___ I expected.
Choose the correct sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
We had dinner, than we watched a film.
Translate into English: 'I would prefer to start later rather than earlier.'
Match the word to its main job in a sentence:
Choose the correct sentence:
I have less experience ___ she does, but I'm a faster learner.
Arrange these words into a sentence:
The sequel was nowhere near as good then the original.
Translate into English: 'Other than that, everything was fine.'
He's more of a friend ___ a colleague.
Score: /13
FAQ (8)
No. In standard English, 'then' is never used for comparison. This is a very common spelling error, but grammatically, they are distinct.
Both are used. 'Better than me' is common in casual speech. 'Better than I (am)' is more formal. In both cases, you use `than`.
In English, unstressed vowels often turn into a 'schwa' sound /ə/. Since 'than' and 'then' are usually not the most important words in a sentence, they both get shortened to /ðən/.
In this case, 'then' acts as an adjective meaning 'at that time'. It refers to the person who was president at the time being discussed.
Only if 'more' is the end of one thought and 'then' starts a new one: 'I couldn't take any more. Then, I left.' But for comparison, it is always 'more than'.
Think of the letters: Th**a**n = **A** comparison. Th**e**n = Tim**e**.
Yes, they are very similar. 'I'd rather have tea than coffee' means the same as 'I'll have tea instead of coffee'.
Rarely. 'Than' usually follows a comparative word. 'Then' starts sentences all the time (e.g., 'Then, we went home.').
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
que / entonces
English requires two different words where Spanish often uses 'que' or 'de'.
que / ensuite
The phonetic similarity in English doesn't exist in French.
als / dann
German 'denn' sounds like 'then' but means 'because', which adds another layer of confusion.
より (yori) / それから (sorekara)
The concepts are grammatically unrelated in Japanese.
من (min) / ثم (thumma)
The English words are much more similar to each other than the Arabic equivalents.
比 (bǐ) / 然后 (ránhòu)
The structure of comparison in Chinese is very different from the English 'Adjective + than' structure.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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Than vs Then : La différence expliquée en français
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Than ou Then ? La différence en anglais
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