than
conjunction
UK/ðən/US/ðən/
Used to introduce the second element in a comparison.
Example Sentences
She is taller than her brother.
He would prefer to read a book than watch a movie.
They decided to walk to the park rather than drive.
This option is more cost-effective than the alternative.
She feels happier now than she did last year.
He chose to study engineering rather than medicine.
The new policy is stricter than the previous one.
I'd rather have tea than coffee this morning.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
preposition
UK/ðən/US/ðən/
Used to indicate comparison between two things or people.
Example Sentences
She is more experienced than him in this field.
The weather today is colder than yesterday.
He is better at mathematics than his classmates.
This car is more fuel-efficient than the previous model.
Her performance this season is superior to last year's.
The new smartphone is sleeker than the older version.
Their house is larger than ours.
This solution is more effective than the one we tried before.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Used to compare two elements, highlighting contrasts or preferences.Typically, this conjunction appears in statements measuring one thing against another: “He is taller than his brother,” “This option is cheaper than that one.” It indicates that the item before “than” is different (often larger, smaller, better, or worse) than the one after it. You’ll commonly see it paired with comparative adjectives (“faster,” “older,” “more interesting”) or comparative adverbs (“runs faster than,” “talked more quietly than”).To use it correctly, ensure the sentence structure is balanced—mentioning the two entities and the relevant quality. For instance, “I’m more confident now than I was last year” contrasts your current self with your past self. Meanwhile, “He worked longer hours than she did” contrasts two people’s working times. If needed, you can omit repeated words at the end for brevity (“He runs faster than I do” can become “He runs faster than I”). However, clarity is key: sometimes including “do” or “am” helps avoid confusion.In more formal writing, pay attention to pronoun usage. For instance, “He is taller than I” (where “I am” is implied) may appear in traditional grammar, while casual speech often says “He is taller than me.” Both can be acceptable depending on the style and context, but consistency in your choice makes your writing smoother. Additionally, keep in mind that “than” serves only as a comparative link, not an additive connection—so it doesn’t replace words like “and” or “along with.” By maintaining correct structure and context, you can cleanly convey differences, contrasts, or preferences among the elements in question.
Alternatives
When drawing comparisons, you can sometimes restructure your sentence to avoid using “than” repeatedly. For example, “I prefer chocolate ice cream to vanilla” replaces “I prefer chocolate ice cream more than vanilla.” In other constructions, “instead of” or “rather than” can be employed: “I’d choose to walk rather than drive,” hinting at your preference without directly comparing two qualities. “Whereas” can also connect contrasting points, though it typically joins independent clauses: “She prefers coffee, whereas I like tea.”In casual speech, people might say “compared to” or “as opposed to,” especially when you’re emphasizing a distinction without a strict comparative structure. For instance, “As opposed to last year’s rainy spring, we’re enjoying clear skies this season.” For subtler contrasts, synonyms like “unlike” or “in contrast to” underscore how one thing differs from another. Each term shifts the feel or focus slightly, so your choice depends on whether you want to stress preference, difference, or a direct side-by-side comparison. Mixing up comparative connectors can keep your language fresh and clear, preventing repetitive use of “than.”
Writing
In writing, clarity and consistency guide your use of this comparative term. Whenever you place it in a sentence, verify that the comparison is logical and balanced. If you say, “The library is quieter than the cafeteria,” you set up a straightforward contrast. But if you write, “The library is quieter than in the cafeteria,” the sentence becomes ambiguous because it compares two different structures (a place versus a phrase starting with 'in'). Likewise, “My study habits are better than last year” leaves a gap: better than last year’s what? A more precise form—“My study habits are better than they were last year”—paints a clearer picture.Regarding pronouns, maintain the register that fits your context. In formal or academic writing, “He is more experienced than I” often reads more polished than “He is more experienced than me.” Conversely, in informal writing or dialogue, the latter might sound more natural. Additionally, watch for unintended comparisons or dangling modifiers: “My car is faster than my friend” technically compares a vehicle to a person. Fixing that to “My car is faster than my friend’s car” brings the logic back.If your text includes many comparative statements, vary your approach. You can sometimes switch to forms like “as … as” when pointing out equivalences, or insert “while” and “whereas” for more nuanced contrasts. Organizing your comparisons carefully—one aspect at a time—helps readers follow your reasoning. By keeping sentence structure parallel and grammar consistent, you ensure your differences or preferences shine through without obscurity or confusion.
Casual Conversation
In everyday language, “than” pops up whenever you highlight one thing over another—“I’d rather sleep in than wake up early,” “I think pizza is better than burgers,” or “Your phone is newer than mine.” This word signals who or what wins out in your personal preferences or opinions. You don’t need to get too formal with grammar in casual chats: “You’re taller than me” sounds perfectly natural, though grammarians might prefer “You’re taller than I.”Because we frequently make quick comparisons in daily life—deciding which route is faster, which movie is more entertaining, or which outfit feels more comfortable—the word easily fits short, spontaneous exchanges. Slipping in synonyms like “instead of” can change the tone slightly, suggesting a preference or alternative rather than a direct comparison: “I’d rather stay home instead of going to that party.” But “than” remains your simplest go-to if you just want to highlight a clear difference. Overall, in casual conversation, accuracy and common sense matter more than strict adherence to formal rules, so feel free to prioritize ease of expression. The main goal is ensuring your listener understands who or what you’re comparing, so they can follow your train of thought effortlessly.
Etymology
The Old English ancestor of this word was spelled “þanne” or “þænne,” emerging from a Germanic root that signaled a point in time or place for comparison. Over centuries, as Middle English evolved, the term gradually took on the narrower role of indicating contrast or preference between two elements, shedding its temporal associations.The consistent thread through each linguistic stage is the function of drawing distinctions. In older texts, you might see it used interchangeably with “then,” reflecting earlier English where spelling and usage were more fluid. By the Early Modern English period, standardization processes separated “than” (comparative) from “then” (temporal). Modern English retains a clear distinction: “than” for comparisons, “then” for time sequencing. Hence, the word’s current role—clarifying where something stands relative to another—has roots in an older sense of positioning things in space or time. By reinforcing those comparative properties, “than” remains an essential tool for indicating how one thing measures up against another.