Than always indicates comparison of some kind. Then has two uses: consequence, or consecutive action. In some contexts, then may be understood rather than stated.

Comparison:
--Phil is a faster runner than Gene.
--Jim can make pancakes faster than his sons can eat them.

Consequence:
--If the guests will provide desserts, then Aunt Sue will cook the remainder of the Thanksgiving feast.
--[Then] The company will immediately install wheelchair ramps if Harold Jackson is hired.

Consecutive action:
--First prepare the soil, then sow the seeds.
--[First] Call the prospect, [then] tell him about the new products, [then] field his questions, and [then] close the sale.

To keep them straight, remember the if/then and first/then pairs. When neither of these pairs works correctly, chances are than is the appropriate word.

Try it! Determine whether than or then is the correct word.
1) Sheila achieved $10,000 in sales much faster ___ I did.
2) If it rains tomorrow, ___ the company picnic will be rescheduled.
3) Take the car to the dealer, ___ present the recall notice to receive free repairs.
4) Apples rather ___ peaches are the crop of choice in this region.

Answers: 1) than; 2) then; 3) then; 4) than

About the Author

AnnaLisa Michalski writes and publishes the ezine Word-wise and owns and operates Admin Maven, a virtual assisting service specializing in proofreading and copy editing.