Sequence or comparison?
then vs than
Meaning, pronunciation, and examples
Then relates to time, order, or what happens next. Than introduces a comparison. In careful speech, then has the vowel in “bed” and than has the vowel in “cat.”
American English
Hear the difference
Each term has female and male playback at natural speed. Listen without looking, then compare the recordings with the IPA.
Word 1
then
adverb
At that time, next, or as a consequence.
US pronunciation
/ðen/
UK IPA
/ðen/
Hear two natural voices
Word 2
than
conjunction or preposition
Introduces the second part of a comparison.
US pronunciation
/ðæn/
UK IPA
/ðæn/
Hear two natural voices
Sound contrast
How to tell them apart
Begin both with a voiced TH: place your tongue lightly between your teeth and turn on your voice. Keep then short and relaxed; open your jaw a little wider for the strong form of than.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Use then to place events in sequence or refer to a time. Use than after comparative words such as more, less, taller, or better. In connected speech, than is often reduced to /ðən/, so sentence meaning is more dependable than the vowel alone.
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
then
- Finish the report, then call me.
- I lived in Boston back then.
- If the door is locked, then use the side entrance.
Examples with
than
- This room is brighter than the kitchen.
- I would rather walk than wait.
- The ticket cost more than I expected.
Try it yourself
Find the words your listener may hear differently
These sounds can overlap in natural speech, so a transcript cannot prove that one pronunciation is right or wrong. Use it as one clue alongside context.