Micro-listening
Other than or then? A visit to the tailor
Other than or then: which is correct?
Use 'other than' for an exception or alternative, and use 'then' for a time, sequence, or result. For example, 'The sleeves fit well other than the cuffs.' Use 'then' in 'Check the buttons, then try on the jacket.' In fast speech, sentence structure helps you identify the correct spelling.
Key points
- 'Other than' introduces an exception or alternative.
- 'Then' shows what happens next or afterwards.
- Use 'except' to test 'other than'.
- Never write 'other then' for an exception.
This lesson has 5 stages. You can stop at any time and continue later.
At a glance
| Form | Use it for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| other than | Shows an exception or exclusion | The coat looks fine other than the sleeves. |
| other than | Requests an alternative choice | Do you have fabric other than linen? |
| then | Shows the next action | Pin the hem, then walk around. |
| then | Refers to an agreed time | The fitting is Thursday; I will come then. |
| then | Introduces a conditional result | If it is ready, then I will collect it. |
Stage 1 of 5
Understand
What it means, when to use it, and mistakes to avoid.
The full explanation
Other than functions as a prepositional phrase meaning except or apart from, indicating an exception or an alternative. Then functions as an adverb meaning after that, at that time, or in that case, indicating chronological order, a specific moment, or a logical consequence.
Other than the loose buttons, this coat looks ready for the wedding.
Why it works: Other than identifies the loose buttons as the only exception to the coat being ready.
2 more examples
-
Try on the gray trousers, then check the hem length in the mirror.
Then shows the second step in the sequence after trying on the trousers.
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If the alteration takes two days, then I will pick up the suit on Friday.
Then introduces the result that follows the conditional time requirement.
Read the full guide
Decide between an exception and a sequence
Before writing or choosing a word, identify the primary purpose of your statement. If you want to isolate one single item from a larger set, you need a phrase that signals an exception. If you want to move the listener from one stage of a task to the next, you need a word that marks time or sequence. Tailors use both structures constantly when reviewing garments with clients.
-
Other than the waistline, these wool trousers fit comfortably.
Why it works: The waistline is the single exception to the otherwise comfortable fit.
Your turn
Which phrase signals that one item is excluded from a general statement?
Answer: other than
Show the answer
Answer: other than
Other than marks an exception, while then indicates a following step or time.
Test your sentence by substituting except
A reliable way to verify your choice is the substitution test. Whenever you suspect other than belongs in your sentence, substitute the word except in its place. If the sentence continues to express the exact same meaning without sounding awkward, other than is grammatically appropriate. The word then cannot replace except because it does not carry an exclusionary meaning.
-
We altered every seam other than the collar.
Why it works: Replacing other than with except keeps the original meaning intact.
You can practise this again in More than or more then: choose the right word and Then or Than: Choose the Right Word.
Your turn
Which replacement word confirms that other than is the correct choice?
Answer: except
Show the answer
Answer: except
Except shares the exclusionary meaning of other than, making it the standard test.
Request an alternative option with other than
Speakers also rely on other than when they want to ask for an alternative choice. In a tailor shop, you might see several fabric swatches or button styles on the counter that do not match your taste. By pairing other than with a demonstrative noun or pronoun, you specify that you want to examine choices outside that immediate group.
-
Do you have any lining fabric other than this heavy silk?
Why it works: Other than indicates a request for materials outside the presented sample.
Your turn
How does other than function in a question about fabric options?
Answer: It introduces an alternative choice.
Show the answer
Answer: It introduces an alternative choice.
In requests, other than points to choices outside the option currently shown.
Mark actions in chronological order with then
Use the adverb then when you need to guide someone through consecutive stages of a fitting. When a tailor marks a hemline, you must remain still before you step off the platform. In these situations, then signals that the second action occurs only after the first action finishes. It creates clear operational order between consecutive events.
-
Fasten the top button, then stand straight facing the mirror.
Why it works: Then marks standing straight as the second action following fastening the button.
Your turn
What relationship does then establish between two actions?
Answer: It shows that one action follows another.
Show the answer
Answer: It shows that one action follows another.
Then indicates chronological progression from the first step to the next.
Refer to an agreed future time with then
Beyond linking two consecutive actions, then often functions as a time pointer meaning at that time. When you and your tailor agree on a specific day or hour for your final fitting, you can use then instead of repeating the full time phrase. This usage keeps commercial conversations concise while maintaining exact mutual understanding about schedules.
-
The jacket will be ready on Tuesday afternoon, so I will return then.
Why it works: Then refers directly back to the previously mentioned Tuesday afternoon appointment.
Your turn
In the sentence 'I will return then,' what does the word then mean?
Answer: at that time
Show the answer
Answer: at that time
Then refers back to the specific time that the speaker already mentioned.
Connect conditions to results with then
English speakers frequently place then in the main clause that follows a conditional if-clause. While writers sometimes omit the word in casual prose, adding then clarifies that the second statement represents the direct consequence of the condition. In discussions about repair fees or alteration schedules, this construction prevents misunderstandings about pricing or completion dates.
-
If the zipper requires replacement, then the repair will cost twenty dollars.
Why it works: Then introduces the monetary consequence that depends on the zipper condition.
Your turn
What role does then play in a conditional sentence after an if-clause?
Answer: It introduces the resulting outcome.
Show the answer
Answer: It introduces the resulting outcome.
Then connects the condition established by if with its resulting consequence.
Distinguish the vowel sounds in fast speech
In spoken English, than and then sound very similar because speakers frequently reduce function words. Than usually carries a weak vowel sound, pronounced with a schwa like /ðən/, especially when it follows other. In contrast, then normally keeps its short vowel sound /ðen/ even in connected speech. Training your ear to listen for the following grammatical role prevents spelling errors.
-
Hear the vowel difference between 'other than cotton' and 'press it, then hang it'.
Why it works: The first phrase contains a reduced schwa, while the second maintains a clear short vowel.
Your turn
Why do listeners sometimes confuse other than and then in rapid speech?
Answer: Because than is often reduced to a weak schwa sound.
Show the answer
Answer: Because than is often reduced to a weak schwa sound.
Vowel reduction in than makes it sound close to then in casual conversational tempo.
Separate transcription from free drafting
Listening dictation and original writing demand completely different mental skills. In dictation, your sole task is recording every spoken word with strict grammatical accuracy, noting whether the speaker produced than or then. When writing your own notes to a tailor, however, you must select the vocabulary that communicates your exact requests, sequence, and timeline.
-
Dictation tests your ear for exact speech, while drafting tests your ability to express needs.
Why it works: Recognizing the difference between recording speech and drafting messages improves both skills.
Your turn
What is the primary goal of a dictation exercise?
Answer: To write down the exact recorded words without changes.
Show the answer
Answer: To write down the exact recorded words without changes.
Dictation requires faithful transcription of the exact spoken message.
Common mistakes
What learners often say, what to say instead, and why.
-
Not this:
The jacket fits well other then the sleeves.Say: The jacket fits well other than the sleeves.
'Other than' marks the sleeves as an exception.
-
Not this:
Fold the trousers, other than hang them up.Say: Fold the trousers, then hang them up.
'Then' shows that hanging follows folding.
-
Not this:
If the zip is broken, other than we can replace it.Say: If the zip is broken, then we can replace it.
'Then' introduces the result of the condition.
Use it naturally
How people really use “other than”
Neutral Fine almost anywhere, at work or with friends.
Words it often goes with
- anything other thanYou can choose anything other than the red bag.
- something other thanI'd like something other than soup for lunch.
- other than thatOne button is loose, but other than that, the coat looks great.
What people also say
- “First, try it on, then check the length.” instead of “First, try it on, and subsequent to that, check the length.” Use then to show the next step in everyday speech.
Questions about "Other than or then? A visit to the tailor"
Is other than identical in meaning to except for?
In most everyday contexts, other than and except for are interchangeable when identifying an exclusion. However, other than is also commonly used to mean different from or besides when asking about available choices, whereas except for rarely serves that specific purpose.
Other than the zipper, the coat is in excellent shape.
Do you carry any thread colors other than navy?
Can I ever write other then instead of other than?
No. The combination other then is a common spelling mistake that arises because speakers pronounce than with an unstressed schwa vowel. If you intend to express an exception or an alternative, the correct spelling is always other than.
There were no customers in the alteration shop other than me.
Is the word then necessary after an if-clause?
The word then is grammatically optional in conditional sentences, but it provides valuable clarity in spoken English. It signals immediately to the listener that the condition has concluded and that the resulting action or consequence is about to be stated.
If the jacket shoulders feel tight, then we should release the inner seams.
How can I hear the difference between than and then when native speakers speak quickly?
Focus on grammatical structure rather than vowel quality alone. If the word introduces a noun phrase naming an exclusion or alternative, it is than. If the word connects two action verbs in order or indicates a specific time, it is then.
She tried on every dress other than this silk gown.
Iron the fabric carefully, then fold it across the table.
Before you go
Remember this
Reserve other than for naming exceptions or requesting different options. Use then when ordering steps, referring to an agreed time, or stating the result of a condition. When listening, rely on sentence structure rather than individual sounds alone.
Stage 2 of 5
Listen
Hear it in real sentences, from short to long, and write what you hear.
0 of 4 done
Listening 1 of 4
Listen, then type what you hear. Replay as often as you need.
0:00
Read the transcript
We repair every garment other than aprons.
Other than marks aprons as the single exception to the garments accepted for repair.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- In than aprons, listen for tha-naprons. The final n joins the start of aprons.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- In than aprons, listen for tha-naprons. The final n joins the start of aprons.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- In than aprons, listen for tha-naprons. The final n joins the start of aprons.
Listening 2 of 4
Listen, then type what you hear. Replay as often as you need.
0:00
Read the transcript
Measure our new fabric. Then inspect each seam.
Then introduces the second action that must follow measuring the fabric.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- In Then inspect, listen for The-ninspect. The n joins the next word with no pause.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- In Then inspect, listen for The-ninspect. The n joins the next word with no pause.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- In Then inspect, listen for The-ninspect. The n joins the next word with no pause.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Try a longer clip. Listen once, then replay the part you missed.
Listening 3 of 4
Listen, then type what you hear. Replay as often as you need.
0:00
Read the transcript
Our workshop can alter every item other than evening gowns. Please bring our wool blazer in soon, because our master tailor will examine the collar tomorrow morning.
Other than isolates evening gowns as the only category excluded from workshop alterations.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
This clip is longer. Follow the instruction above the answer field.
Listening 4 of 4
Listen, then type the missing words. The rest of the text is already there.
0:00
Read the transcript
Our staff inspects every wool overcoat carefully. Every single seam looks fine other than an open tear along the left sleeve. We can sew this tear securely tomorrow morning. Then our senior pressing specialist will steam the fabric, so you may come into our shop on Friday afternoon to try everything on.
Other than identifies the open sleeve tear as the single defect, while then marks the pressing step that follows sewing.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- The last sound of the first word runs straight into the next word.
- In than an, listen for tha-nan. The words join through the n sound.
Practice complete
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Save my progressStage 3 of 5
Speak
Say it with the speaker, then use it in your own answer.
Shadow
Say it along with the speaker
We repair every garment other than aprons.
Play the line slowly, then speak at the same time as the speaker. Copy the rhythm, not just the words.
Your turn
Say it your way
Speak for 30 to 60 seconds from memory about planning a picnic with friends. Name one food someone cannot eat, suggest another choice, and explain the order of your plans. Say what you will do if it rains.
Use: other than then
Think for ten seconds, then answer out loud for as long as the task above asks, without looking at the lesson. Nothing is sent unless you ask for feedback.
0:00
Hear how someone else might say it
I'm planning a picnic with three friends on Sunday. Everyone can eat anything other than peanuts, because Sam is allergic to them. I'll bring cheese sandwiches and some apples. We need something other than soda to drink, so I'll pack water too. First, we'll meet at my house, and then we'll walk to the park together. After lunch, we can play a game or take a walk. If it rains, then we'll stay at my house and eat there. We can still have a nice afternoon together.
Try once more and answer this: What food will you bring to share?
Stage 4 of 5
Write
Write about your own day or week using it, then write a message.
Write
Put it in your own words
- I used “other than”.
- It is about my life, not the lesson’s example.
- I read it once aloud to check it sounds right.
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