I still remember the first time I paused mid-sentence, feeling unsure if it was “better than” or “better then.” These two words sound alike, but their meanings, functions, and uses are totally different. In the phrase “She’s faster than him,” for instance, “than” is clearly used to show comparison. But in “We’ll go to the store, then the park,” the word refers to order or time. So many phrases we read or hear in casual talk are filled with these mix-ups. If you’ve ever felt the same, the topic “Better Than or Better Then” is something you should know by heart.
What helped was a simple visual cue and a practical trick: picture “better than” for comparing things, and “better then” for what comes next. That small explanation made a big difference. I’ve seen so many students get tripped up, but once you pause, check the context, and hear phrases like “better then her” versus “better than her” aloud, it all becomes clear.
Real-life examples, grammar rules, and a bit of repetition are the best learning aid. So if you’ve come across this before, know that everyone has at some point. You just need a simple guide to choose the correct word – one that sticks with you forever and boosts your writing confidence.
Why Do People Mix Up Then and Than?
The confusion stems from how similar these words look and sound. They’re just one letter apart – “e” vs. “a.” In casual speech, the difference can blur, especially when spoken quickly.
But when you’re writing, that small difference can change the meaning of your sentence – and sometimes confuse your reader.
“Grammar is the difference between knowing your stuff and knowing you’re stuff.” – Anonymous
Better Than or Better Then: Quick Answer
| Phrase | Correct? | Why? | Example |
| Better than | ✅ Yes | Used to compare | She is better than her sister. |
| Better then | ❌ No | “Then” refers to time/order | Incorrect in comparisons |
If you’re comparing two things, always use “than”. There’s never a time when “better then” is correct unless “then” starts a new clause or sentence.
Then vs. Than – What’s the Actual Difference?
Let’s get technical – but not too technical.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Common Usage |
| Then | Adverb, noun, adjective | Time-related, next, result | We ate, then left. |
| Than | Conjunction, preposition | Shows comparison | She’s taller than him. |
Key Differences:
- Then = Time or sequence
- Than = Comparison
Understanding ‘Better Than’: Why It’s Correct
The word “better” is a comparative adjective. And comparative adjectives always pair with “than” to compare two people, items, ideas, or situations.
Real Examples:
- This laptop is better than the old one.
- He’s more responsible than his brother.
- English is easier than Mandarin.
Using “then” in any of these would sound awkward – and it would be wrong.
Think of “than” as a bridge word in comparisons. It connects one thing to something else for comparison.
Why ‘Better Then’ Is Incorrect
“Better then” doesn’t make grammatical sense in comparison. It suggests a shift in time, not a comparison.
Common Mistake:
❌ She is better then me at writing.
Correction:
✅ She is better than me at writing.
The only exception would be if “then” starts a second clause:
- ✅ She was better. Then, I practiced harder.
When to Use ‘Then’: Real-World Applications
Time or Sequence
“Then” indicates something that happened next in time.
Examples:
- We ate dinner, then watched a movie.
- First he ran, then he collapsed.
Cause and Effect
Often seen in if/then logic.
Examples:
- If you study, then you’ll pass.
- If it rains, then we’ll cancel.
Used as an Adjective or Noun
Refers to something or someone from a specific time.
Examples:
- The then-president resigned suddenly.
- Under the then-law, this was illegal.
While these uses are valid, they have no place in comparisons like “better than.”
When to Use ‘Than’: Real-World Applications
Comparing Qualities
“Than” is used when comparing people, things, or actions.
Examples:
- Math is harder than English.
- He’s faster than a cheetah.
- This version is more stable than the beta.
Comparing Actions
Examples:
- I’d rather leave than argue.
- They prefer tea than coffee. (Should be: They prefer tea to coffee, but people still misuse “than” here.)
Common Mistakes With ‘Then’ and ‘Than’
Let’s look at mistakes people often make – and fix them.
| Incorrect Sentence | Corrected Version |
| She is better then the rest. | She is better than the rest. |
| I would go rather then stay. | I would go rather than stay. |
| He’s taller then me. | He’s taller than me. |
| We went to the store than came home. | We went to the store then came home. |
Memory Tricks to Keep It Straight
Here are easy-to-remember tips:
- “Then = Time” – Both start with T.
- “Than = Comparison” – Use “a” to think of “compare”.
- Visualize: If you’re comparing, pick the one with the “a”. If you’re talking about time, use the one with the “e.”
Popular Phrases with ‘Than’ and ‘Then’
Phrases with “Than”:
- Better than ever
- More than likely
- No better than
- Other than that
- Rather than
Phrases with “Then”:
- Back then
- Just then
- Until then
- By then
- Since then
Real Case Studies: How ‘Then’ vs. ‘Than’ Impacts Meaning
Case Study 1: Business Email Misfire
Original: Our prices are better then our competitors.
Issue: Sounds unprofessional. Indicates time, not comparison.
Fix: Our prices are better than our competitors’.
Case Study 2: Job Interview Answer
Candidate Said: I performed better then others in my team.
Impression: Weak grammar, unclear meaning.
Corrected: I performed better than others in my team.
Case Study 3: Academic Essay Error
Thesis Statement: This model is more effective then previous frameworks.
Problem: Grammar error distracts from credibility.
Correct: This model is more effective than previous frameworks.
Why This Matters in Writing and Speaking
Mistaking then for than isn’t just a grammar slip – it changes how people see you. In emails, resumes, essays, or social media, these small words can impact how polished and professional you sound.
In Business:
Wrong usage could affect how clients or employers perceive your attention to detail.
In Education:
Teachers and professors often mark this error as a basic grammatical mistake.
In Everyday Life:
Even texts and social media posts are judged by grammar – especially when you’re trying to sound persuasive or confident.
“People judge your grammar more than you think.” – Grammarly Insights, 2024
Table Recap: Then vs. Than
| Word | Type | Used For | Example |
| Then | Adverb, noun, adjective | Time, sequence, results | We laughed, then left. |
| Than | Conjunction, preposition | Comparisons | This is better than that. |
| Better than | Phrase | Correct comparative phrase | He’s better than me. |
| Better then | Phrase | Incorrect phrase for comparison | Incorrect: He’s better then me. |
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
Fill in the blanks with “then” or “than”:
- She’s taller ____ me.
- We ate dinner, ____ watched a movie.
- I’d rather rest ____ go out.
- If that’s true, ____ I’m shocked.
- He’s more skilled ____ his brother.
Answers:
- than
- then
- than
- then
- than
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between “better than” and “better then” might seem small, but it makes a big difference in how clear and professional your writing sounds. These two words aren’t interchangeable – they serve different purposes entirely. “Than” is used for comparisons, while “then” refers to time, order, or consequence.
Making this mistake, especially in formal writing like resumes, academic papers, business emails, or online content, can undermine your credibility. It’s a common error, but also one that’s easy to fix once you know the rules.
The key is context. Ask yourself: Am I comparing something, or showing time/order? That simple check will help you choose the right word every time. And don’t forget the easy memory trick: “Than” = compArison, “Then” = Time.
FAQs
What is the correct phrase: “better than” or “better then”?
The correct phrase is “better than” when making comparisons. “Than” is used to compare two things, while “then” refers to time or sequence.
Can “then” ever follow “better”?
Only if “then” starts a new clause. Example: She felt better. Then, she smiled. It’s not part of a comparison.
Why do people confuse “then” and “than”?
Because they’re spelled similarly and sound alike when spoken quickly. But they serve completely different grammatical functions.
Is “than” used in anything other than comparisons?
Primarily, yes. “Than” is mostly used to compare two items or ideas. It rarely appears outside of comparative contexts in English.
What’s a quick trick to remember the difference?
Use this: “Than” is for compArison, and “Then” is for Time. Just match the A and T with their respective meanings to avoid confusion.