Micro-listening
Then or Than: Choose the Right Word
Then or than: which word is correct?
Use 'then' for time, order, or a result, and 'than' for comparisons or amounts. For example, 'The red bicycle is quicker than the blue one; test it, then choose.' Remember that 'cheaper then' can be correct when 'then' means at an earlier time. Listening alone may not clearly distinguish them.
Key points
- 'Then' shows what happens next or refers to a time.
- 'Then' can introduce a result after an if clause.
- 'Than' introduces the second part of a comparison.
- Use 'than' after more or less before an amount.
Try what you have learned
Listen to a recording, type what you hear, and check your answer.
Speaking Beta. Membership required for voice feedback.
At a glance
| Form | Use it for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| then | Shows the next action in a sequence | Pack the tools, then lock the door. |
| then | Refers to a specific time | We lived there back then. |
| then | Shows a result after an if clause | If you are tired, then rest. |
| than | Introduces the second item in a comparison | This route is shorter than that one. |
| than | Introduces an amount after more or less | The journey took less than an hour. |
The full explanation
Use then to show sequence, a specific point in time, or a consequence following a condition. Use than to introduce the second element in a comparison of size, price, speed, quality, or amount.
This touring bike is noticeably lighter than the steel cruiser.
Why it works: Use than to introduce the second bicycle in this weight comparison.
3 more examples
-
We inspected the brake cables, then adjusted the seat height.
Use then to mark adjusting the seat as the next sequential step.
-
If the rental station is closed, then call the emergency number.
Use then to indicate the resulting action following the condition.
-
Electric bicycles were rarely seen on city streets back then.
Use then in the phrase back then to refer to that earlier era.
Read the full guide
Try the listening exercise
Choose then for when or what happens next, and than for comparisons
To pick the right word, identify the job it does in your sentence. Ask yourself if the sentence describes a time, an order of events, or a result, or if it introduces the second side of a comparison. At a bike rental counter, you might say: 'This bike is cheaper than that one.' Here, than introduces the second bike. When your friend suggests the next step, they say: 'Let us try it, then decide.' In that reply, then introduces what happens next.
-
This bike is cheaper than that one.
Why it works: Use than because you are comparing the price of two bikes.
-
Let us try it, then decide.
Why it works: Use then because deciding is the next step after trying the bike.
Your turn
We tested the road bike and ___ chose the red city bike. Which word fits?
Answer: then
Show the answer
Answer: then
The action of choosing follows testing the bike, so the sentence requires then to mark the next step.
Use then to mean next or at that time
The word then marks a sequence of two or more actions, but it also points to a specific time. You can use then for past, present, or future situations because it does not indicate grammatical tense. In fixed expressions such as back then, the phrase means at that time in the past. In until then, it means up to the time already mentioned. Always look for a clear time reference in the sentence when using then in this way.
-
We lived near the harbor back then.
Why it works: The phrase back then points to a past period already known to the speaker.
-
The shop opens at nine, so wait until then.
Why it works: Until then refers forward to nine o'clock.
You can practise this again in I or me: Choose the Right Pronoun and Other than or then? A visit to the tailor.
Your turn
The shop opens at ten; please wait until ___ before calling.
Answer: then
Show the answer
Answer: then
Until then is a fixed time phrase meaning up to the specific time already mentioned in the sentence.
Use then for what follows if something happens
When you state a condition with if, you can use then to show what happens in that situation. Consider this rental advice: 'If the bike is too big, then try this one.' In this pattern, then introduces the logical consequence or the next action to take. The word is optional here, meaning the sentence remains complete and correct without it, but when included, it must be spelled then.
-
If the helmet feels tight, then loosen the strap.
Why it works: Then introduces the direct action to take if the condition is true.
-
If it rains this afternoon, then we will take the bus.
Why it works: Then marks the planned result following the bad weather condition.
Your turn
If your chain comes off, ___ stop at the repair station.
Answer: then
Show the answer
Answer: then
The sentence presents a condition starting with if, so then introduces the proper action to take.
Use than after cheaper, better, more and less
A comparison highlights a difference between two people, objects, or actions. You place than directly after comparative words like cheaper, faster, better, more expensive, or less expensive when you mention the second item. You also use than after more or less before amounts, as in more than ten miles. If you do not mention the second half of the comparison, do not add than. A statement like 'This one is cheaper' is already complete.
-
The hybrid bike is faster than the heavy cruiser.
Why it works: Than introduces the cruiser as the second part of the speed comparison.
-
The full rental costs more than twenty dollars.
Why it works: Than follows more to introduce an amount.
Your turn
Our rented tandem was heavier ___ the single bicycle.
Answer: than
Show the answer
Answer: than
Heavier is a comparative adjective that requires than to introduce the second bicycle.
Compare then and than in a quick reference table
Use this reference guide to match your communicative purpose with the correct word and pattern. Notice that then handles next steps, past or future time points, and conditional results. In contrast, than handles comparisons between two items and comparisons of amount. Reviewing the surrounding words shows whether you are linking two actions in time or measuring two things against each other.
| Purpose | Word | Pattern | Original Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Next action | then | Action 1, then Action 2 | Lock the frame, then take the key. |
| At that time | then | Time reference + then | We bought our helmets back then. |
| Consequence | then | If condition, then result | If the seat hurts, then lower it. |
| Comparison | than | Comparative adjective + than | His bike is faster than mine. |
| Amount | than | More or less + than + number | We rode for more than two hours. |
-
Clean the bike chain, then lubricate the links.
Why it works: Illustrates the next action pattern using then.
-
Today's rental fee is less than yesterday's rate.
Why it works: Illustrates the comparison pattern using than.
Your turn
Which statement correctly describes comparing amounts?
Answer: Use than after more or less before an amount.
Show the answer
Answer: Use than after more or less before an amount.
Amounts use more than or less than to indicate quantities above or below a specific number.
Correct the spelling by checking the whole message
Writers often swap these two words by mistake. To fix an error, check the entire sentence rather than relying on a single neighbor word. For instance, consider the sentence: 'The bike was cheaper then.' This statement is entirely correct if it refers to a past time when prices were lower. In contrast, 'The bike was cheaper than mine' compares two bikes. A comparative word like cheaper does not always require than. Remember that then relates to when or what happens next, while than relates to comparison.
-
Rental prices were much lower back then.
Why it works: Then correctly refers to the past period, not a comparison.
-
My new saddle is softer than my old one.
Why it works: Than correctly introduces the second saddle in the comparison.
Your turn
Why is 'The rental was cheaper then' a correct sentence?
Answer: It means the price was lower at that earlier time.
Show the answer
Answer: It means the price was lower at that earlier time.
In this sentence, then acts as a time word meaning at that past moment, rather than introducing another item.
Hear then and weak than in six short dictations
Both then and than start with the voiced th sound /ð/. In careful speech, then uses the vowel /en/ and than uses /æn/. However, in natural everyday English, than is rarely stressed. It usually reduces to a weak vowel sound /ðən/, blending smoothly with the next word. Because stress, speaking rate, and regional accents alter the vowel sound, you cannot rely purely on your ear. Let the sentence structure guide your spelling decision.
-
The city route is quieter than the main avenue.
Why it works: Notice that than is unstressed and spoken quickly between the words.
-
We paid the fee, then started cycling.
Why it works: Then receives clearer stress to mark the transition between actions.
Your turn
Why is listening alone sometimes insufficient to decide between then and than?
Answer: Weak pronunciation can make the vowels sound almost identical in fluent speech.
Show the answer
Answer: Weak pronunciation can make the vowels sound almost identical in fluent speech.
Because than frequently reduces to an unstressed weak syllable, sentence meaning provides the dependable clue.
Recall both words to compare bikes and plan the next step
Now test your ability to use both words without hints. When you send a message about hiring bikes, state a comparison first, and then describe your next action. Verify that your comparison uses than with an a, and your sequence uses then with an e. For example, write: 'The silver hybrid is lighter than the steel roadster. We will test the brakes, then ride along the river path.' Reviewing both words side by side reinforces their distinct functions.
-
This gravel trail is bumpier than the paved path.
Why it works: Than links the two trails in a comparison of surface roughness.
-
Pump the tires, then check the bell.
Why it works: Then connects the maintenance tasks in clear sequential order.
Your turn
Which message correctly combines a comparison and a next step?
Answer: This lock is stronger than that cable, so buy it then leave.
Show the answer
Answer: This lock is stronger than that cable, so buy it then leave.
Stronger than makes the correct comparison, and buy it then leave correctly orders the subsequent actions.
Common mistakes
What learners often say, what to say instead, and why.
-
Not this:
The green bicycle is faster then the yellow one.Say: The green bicycle is faster than the yellow one.
'Than' introduces the second bicycle in a comparison.
-
Not this:
We checked the lights, than opened the garage.Say: We checked the lights, then opened the garage.
'Then' marks the action that happens next.
-
Not this:
If the road is wet, than ride slowly.Say: If the road is wet, then ride slowly.
'Then' introduces the result or action after an if condition.
-
Not this:
The ticket costs more then five pounds.Say: The ticket costs more than five pounds.
'Than' follows 'more' before an amount.
Before you go
Remember this
Write than with an a when comparing two items or stating an amount. Write then with an e when ordering actions, referring to a specific time, or showing what happens next.
Follow MicroEnglish
New lessons, short videos and quick quizzes every day. Pick the app you already use.
Listen first
Listen and write
Listen, type what you hear, then choose Check my answer. Use a hint when you get stuck.
Your session
Start a 15-minute session 15 min
Watch a short part, answer one question, practise what you heard, then check in with the tutor.
The first part is free. Members continue to part 2 and can ask for more.
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
This blue bike is lighter than that green one.
Use than because lighter is a comparative adjective comparing two bicycles.
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 final t or d is barely said before the next consonant.
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 final t or d is barely said before the next consonant.
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 final t or d is barely said before the next consonant.
Listening 2 of 4
Listen, then type what you hear. Replay as often as you need.
0:00
Read the transcript
Check the tires first, and then adjust your seat.
Use then because adjusting the seat is the next action after checking the tires.
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 final t or d is barely said before the next consonant.
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 final t or d is barely said before the next consonant.
- A small word like this is said quickly and softly, not as written.
Listen for
At natural speed these words change shape. Tap one to hear it again.
- The final t or d is barely said before the next consonant.
- A small word like this is said quickly and softly, not as written.
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
The city shop offers more than twenty road bikes today. If you need a helmet, then ask the rental assistant before leaving.
Than follows more to describe an amount, while then introduces the consequence in an if pattern.
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 morning ride along the river was much smoother than the ride through traffic yesterday. We stopped at a small park near the bridge, rested for twenty minutes, and then checked the map on my phone. The trail ahead looked steeper than the river path, so we adjusted the gears on our bikes. If the weather stays clear, then we will cycle to the lake before dark.
Than marks comparisons between rides and trail slopes, whereas then indicates sequential actions and conditional results.
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.
Practice complete
You listened closely.
Your result is saved in this browser.
Keep your progress. Your practice is saved on this device only. Create a free account to keep it everywhere.
Create a free accountThat was today's free lesson. Tomorrow you get another one. Want more today? See membership.
Create a free SubLearn account to keep this progress across devices.
Save my progressYour turn
Say it your way
Describe two bicycles or travel options you considered renting recently. Compare their rental price or comfort using than, and then explain what step you took next.
Use: then or Than: Choose the Right Word
You could start with “The first bike was cheaper than the second one, so we…”
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.
Shadow
Say it along with the speaker
This blue bike is lighter than that green one.
Play the line slowly, then speak at the same time as the speaker. Copy the rhythm, not just the words.
Write
Put it in your own words
- I used “then or Than: Choose the Right Word”.
- It is about my life, not the lesson’s example.
- I read it once aloud to check it sounds right.
Test yourself
Listening tests are included with membership. Try the free dictation first, then decide whether to continue.
Listening 1 of 2 Part of membership
Listening 2 of 2 Part of membership
Write your own response
Choose a situation and write 30–50 words in your own wording. This is separate from typing the exact words in a recording.
Check your own writing
Read one possible response
Use these checks to revise your message. Grammar and meaning are not automatically graded. Each task keeps its own draft in this browser tab.
Questions about "Then or Than: Choose the Right Word"
How do I know whether to write then or than?
Look at the role of the word in your sentence. If you are comparing two items, people, or quantities using comparative words like bigger, cheaper, faster, or more, choose than with the letter a. If you are talking about what happens next in time, referring to a specific moment, or showing the result of an if condition, choose then with the letter e.
My commuter bicycle is older than your touring bicycle.
Lock your bicycle securely, and then enter the coffee shop.
Is it more then or more than?
Write more than when you are comparing amounts, numbers, or qualities. The word than introduces the quantity or object being compared. The sequence more then only occurs by coincidence if more ends one thought and then begins an entirely new action, such as 'We ordered more, then went home.'
The rental shop has more than fifty bicycles available.
We gathered more information, then made our final reservation.
Can then mean at that time, not just next?
Yes. In addition to indicating sequence, then frequently means at that time in the past or in the future. Fixed phrases like back then and until then illustrate this usage clearly, pointing directly to a specific time reference established in the context.
Bicycle lanes were uncommon in our city back then.
The repair shop opens at eight tomorrow morning; wait until then.
Do I need then after if?
No, then is not mandatory after an if clause. A conditional sentence like 'If the tire is soft, pump it' is completely natural and correct. However, adding then emphasizes the consequence or next action. When you do choose to write it, you must spell it then, never than.
If the helmet is uncomfortable, then try a larger size.
If it starts raining, we can stop at the shelter.
Do then and than sound the same?
In careful isolated speech, they have distinct vowels: then has /e/ as in pen, while than has /æ/ as in pan. In natural rapid speech, however, than is usually unstressed and reduces to /ðən/. Because unstressed vowels can sound very similar across various English accents, sentence grammar is your most reliable guide.
Our route was faster than the coastal avenue.
We finished breakfast, then met at the bike station.
Can 'It was cheaper then' be correct?
Yes, 'It was cheaper then' is entirely correct when then refers to a past time rather than introducing a comparison. For instance, if you mean bike hire was cheaper five years ago, then functions as a time word. In contrast, if you are comparing two rental options, you must write 'It was cheaper than the other bike.'
Daily bike rentals were much cheaper then.
This hybrid bike was cheaper than that electric roadster.
Questions & comments
Ask about this lesson, share an example, or help another learner.
