Dying to Be "Than"

I had no issues with the first seven words. Things were fine until then.

Until then.

Then?

Not now.

Use than. Then you’re right. Because in this instance, than is better than then.

Than is a conjunction or preposition used when comparing things. Some popular examples:

Blood is thicker than water.

The pen is mightier than the sword.

Superman is faster than a speeding bullet.

Then, primarily an adverb but occasionally a noun or adjective, denotes time, in the sense of “at that time” or “soon after.” Some popular (and not-so-popular) examples:

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage.

Life sucks, and then you die.

I saw an e and then realized the word was incorrect.

Than and then look and sound similar, but understanding their differences is key. Did you know, for example, that some people who use the words incorrectly would rather cuddle than have sex? The rest of us, on the other hand, would rather cuddle then have sex.

To make sure you’re one of the lucky ones who cuddles and has sex, try this mnemonic device: Then has an e. So does time. Than has an a. So does comparison.

OK, I’m finished. Come back in a week. I’ll have another post then. I hope it’ll be better than this one.