Let’s look at the two similar and confusing words than and then.
Than is used to make comparisons. Sometimes we use than to compare adjectives.
Bob is taller than Jim.
Today is hotter than yesterday.
We can use than to compare amounts.
Sara picked more apples than John did.
Bobby has less money than his brother.
We also use than to compare action choices or options.
I would rather eat now than wait until after the game.
She would rather drive slowly than risk an accident.
The word then always has a relationship to time. First one thing happens. Then another thing happens.
I eat breakfast, and then I go to school.
He played basketball, then worked out in the weight room.
Remember – Than is always used for comparisons. Than and compare both have an -a.
Then is always used in relation to time. Then and time are both four-letter T words with an –e.