than
Used to introduce the second part of a comparison.
Use 'than' to compare two things, typically after a word ending in '-er' or words like 'more' or 'less'.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to compare two things.
- Follows comparative adjectives/adverbs.
- Shows difference or degree.
Summary
Use 'than' to compare two things, typically after a word ending in '-er' or words like 'more' or 'less'.
- Used to compare two things.
- Follows comparative adjectives/adverbs.
- Shows difference or degree.
Remember: Comparison means 'than'.
Think of 'than' as the signal word for comparison. If you are showing how one thing is different from another in size, speed, quality, etc., you likely need 'than'.
Don't confuse with 'then'.
Always double-check if you mean comparison ('than') or time/sequence ('then'). Mixing them up can change the meaning of your sentence.
Expressing preference.
In English-speaking cultures, 'than' is frequently used to express personal preferences, like 'I prefer tea than coffee' (though 'to' is more grammatically standard with 'prefer'). It's a key part of everyday social interaction.
Examples
4 of 4This book is more interesting than the movie.
He finished the race faster than anyone else.
I'd rather have a quiet night in than go to a loud party.
The data suggests that this method is less effective than the previous one.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'than' as the word you use when you are showing how one thing is 'over' or 'above' another in some quality. It's the 'comparison' word.
**Overview**
'Than' is a fundamental word in English used to make comparisons. It signals that you are about to present the item or quality against which another item or quality is being measured. It's essential for expressing differences and relative degrees.
**Usage Patterns**
'Than' typically follows a comparative adjective or adverb (e.g., bigger, faster, more, less). The structure is usually: [Thing 1] + [Comparative Adjective/Adverb] + 'than' + [Thing 2]. For example, 'My car is faster than yours.' It can also be used with phrases indicating preference, like 'would rather... than'.
**Common Contexts**
You'll encounter 'than' in everyday conversations when discussing preferences, making judgments, or stating facts about differences. Examples include comparing prices ('This is more expensive than that'), speeds ('He runs faster than me'), or opinions ('I think this is better than the other option'). It's common in both spoken and written English across various informal and formal settings.
**Similar Words Comparison**
The most common confusion is with 'then'. 'Than' is used for comparisons, while 'then' usually refers to time ('First we'll eat, then we'll go') or consequence ('If you finish your homework, then you can play'). Another related word is 'as', which is used in comparisons of equality ('He is as tall as his brother'), unlike 'than' which is used for inequality.
Usage Notes
The word 'than' is a standard conjunction used in comparisons. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. Ensure it is used only when comparing two distinct items or ideas.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake is confusing 'than' with 'then'. Remember that 'than' is for comparisons, and 'then' is for time. Another error is omitting 'than' when a comparison is clearly intended.
Memory Tip
Think of 'than' as the word you use when you are showing how one thing is 'over' or 'above' another in some quality. It's the 'comparison' word.
Word Origin
The word 'than' comes from Old English 'thonne' or 'thanne', meaning 'at that time' or 'when'. Over time, its meaning evolved specifically to denote comparison.
Cultural Context
Comparisons are a basic part of human interaction and learning. 'Than' facilitates this by allowing speakers to articulate differences, preferences, and rankings, which are common in everyday social exchanges and decision-making.
Examples
This book is more interesting than the movie.
everydayHe finished the race faster than anyone else.
sportsI'd rather have a quiet night in than go to a loud party.
informalThe data suggests that this method is less effective than the previous one.
academicWord Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
more than enough
no sooner than
rather than
Often Confused With
'Than' is used for comparisons, indicating a difference or degree between two things (e.g., 'He is taller than me'). 'Then' relates to time or sequence, indicating what happens next (e.g., 'We ate, then we left').
Grammar Patterns
Remember: Comparison means 'than'.
Think of 'than' as the signal word for comparison. If you are showing how one thing is different from another in size, speed, quality, etc., you likely need 'than'.
Don't confuse with 'then'.
Always double-check if you mean comparison ('than') or time/sequence ('then'). Mixing them up can change the meaning of your sentence.
Expressing preference.
In English-speaking cultures, 'than' is frequently used to express personal preferences, like 'I prefer tea than coffee' (though 'to' is more grammatically standard with 'prefer'). It's a key part of everyday social interaction.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
My new phone is much better ______ my old one.
'Than' is used here to make a comparison between the new phone and the old one.
Select the sentence that uses 'than' correctly.
Which sentence is correct?
The sentence compares arrival times, so the conjunction 'than' is required.
Arrange the words to form a correct sentence using 'than'.
Arrange: faster / is / The / train / bus / the / than
This sentence correctly uses the comparative 'faster' followed by 'than' to compare the speed of the train and the bus.
Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions'Than' is used for comparisons (e.g., 'He is taller than me'). 'Then' refers to time or sequence (e.g., 'First we eat, then we sleep').
While less common, 'than' can sometimes start a sentence, especially in informal contexts or when emphasizing the comparison. For example, 'Than this, nothing could be better.'
Typically, comparative adjectives (like 'bigger', 'smaller', 'faster') or comparative adverbs (like 'more quickly', 'less often') precede 'than'.
Yes, 'than' is commonly used in both formal and informal writing whenever a comparison is needed. Its usage is standard across different registers.
Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
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More general words
about
A1On the subject of; concerning something.
above
A2In a higher place than something or someone.
accident
A2An unfortunate event causing damage or injury.
action
A2The process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.
after
A2Following in time or place; later than.
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2Another time; once more.
aged
B1Of a specified age.
alive
A2Living, not dead.
all
A2The whole quantity or extent of something; every single one.
