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.”
Reference accent
Reference recordings are AI-generated. Nothing is recorded.
American English
Hear the difference
Each term has natural, careful, and slow playback. Listen without looking, then compare the IPA and articulation cues.
Word 1
then
adverb
At that time, next, or as a consequence.
US pronunciation
/ðen/
UK IPA
/ðen/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Use a voiced TH followed by the short E vowel in “bed.”
Word 2
than
conjunction or preposition
Introduces the second part of a comparison.
US pronunciation
/ðæn/
UK IPA
/ðæn/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
The careful form uses the open A vowel in “cat”; the common weak form sounds like “thuhn.”
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.