WHY DO PEOPLE OFTEN MISUSE “THEN” and “THAN”?

Using then instead of than and vise versa is a very common mistake, which both native and non-native speakers make. But why does this happen?

Perhaps because both words have a very similar spelling and pronunciation. However, they are different in meaning.

Then means “after that”.

Example: He finished work. Then he went home.

Than means “ in comparison to/with” and is used mainly with the comparative form of adjectives and adverbs.

Example: I am taller than my brother.

We can also use than in phrases expressing preference:

1.I prefer to + infinitive rather than + inf

Example: I prefer to stay in rather than go out.

2. I would rather + infinitive than + infinitive

Example: I would rather stay in than go out.