Writing Style – Than Versus Then (plus appropriate pronouns)

A BizWritingTip reader wants to know the difference between than and then. ?Than is a conjunction and is normally used with comparisons. ?Then is an adverb meaning soon afterward.

Example

He believes a consultant could prepare a better report than we.* (A comparison is indicated.)

Example

After hearing his news, we then began to question the estimated costs for the project. (A time frame is indicated.)

Incorrect

Can we meet sooner then Saturday?

Correct

Can we meet sooner than Saturday?

Note: Then is often the cause of many run-on sentences.

Incorrect

The presentation went on for over an hour then the speaker asked for questions.

Correct

The presentation went on for over an hour. Then the speaker asked for questions.

* Some readers may be shocked by the use of the word we in this example. However, whenever a pronoun follows than or as, you must mentally supply the missing word.

Incorrect

He believes a consultant could prepare a better report than us.

Correct

He believes a consultant could prepare a better report than we (can).

Incorrect

He is not as experienced as him.

Correct

He is not as experienced as he. (The word is mentally follows the word is.)