When do use then or than

She would rather die than wear high heels. Than can also function as a preposition. A preposition connects a noun or pronoun to a verb or adjective in a sentence, usually to express a spatial or temporal relationship. Annabelle is a friend than whom there is none more caring. Than appears in a lot of idioms. Then often functions as an adverb.

Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Dictionaries define then lots of different ways: in that case, at that time, next in order of place or time, at the same time, soon afterward, in addition, or as a consequence. Take a look at this example: Carlos is taller than his brother. There is no other word that can fill the role of than. However, in I drove to the bank and then went to the store the word then can be substituted by subsequently , to name one example. The answer is than.

Then refers to a specific point in time. Than is comparing the time of the phone call to 7 pm and cannot be substituted with another word. Take your knowledge further with these articles on the difference between farth er and further , affect and effect , or compliment and complement.

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