Differently Than vs. Differently Then – Which is Correct?

The phrase “differently than” is a widely accepted, though sometimes debated, construction in American English for expressing comparison. “Differently then” is always incorrect, as “then” refers to time or sequence, not comparison. To ensure accuracy, use than when making comparisons and then for chronological order or consequence.

Differently Than or Differently Then – Which is Correct?

The confusion between “differently than” and “differently then” stems from mixing up a comparative conjunction (“than”) with a temporal adverb (“then”). In the context of expressing how something varies from another, “differently than” is the construction you will encounter and is generally accepted, especially in American English. “Differently then” is grammatically incorrect because “then” does not serve to introduce a comparison; it indicates time, sequence, or consequence.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

A powerful mnemonic to remember the difference is to associate the vowel sounds: Than has an ‘A’ and is used for comparison. Then has an ‘E’ and is used for time or sequence. If you are comparing two things, use “than.” If you are talking about what comes next or what happened at a specific point in time, use “then.”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Than	Conjunction, Preposition	Used to introduce the second element in a comparison	My car runs differently than yours.
Then	Adverb, Adjective, Noun	At that time; next; in that case	First, we’ll eat, then we’ll leave.

How to Use Than

The word “than” is primarily used as a conjunction or preposition to introduce the second part of a comparison. It follows comparative adjectives (e.g., bigger than, better than) or adverbs (e.g., more quickly than). When used with “differently,” as in “differently than,” it compares two distinct entities, actions, or states. While some grammarians prefer “differently from” for its precision, “differently than” is widely accepted and common in American English, particularly in informal and even some formal contexts.

Example 1: She chose to decorate her office differently than her predecessor.

Example 2: The new policy affects small businesses differently than large corporations.

Example 3: You approach complex problems much differently than I do.

Etymology of the word Than

The word “than” originated from Old English þanne or þonne, which initially meant “when” or “then.” Over time, its meaning evolved to primarily function as a conjunction of comparison, distinguishing it from “then” despite their shared etymological roots.

How to Use Then

“Then” is a versatile word that primarily functions as an adverb, indicating sequence, time, or consequence. It can also be used as an adjective or a noun in specific contexts. It is crucial to remember that “then” should never be used to introduce a comparison; its role is temporal or sequential.

Example 1: We finished the first task; then, we moved on to the next one.

Example 2: If you accept the offer, then you’ll need to sign the contract.

Example 3: The then-governor made a significant announcement regarding public health.

Etymology of the word Then

Like “than,” the word “then” also derives from the Old English þanne or þonne. While sharing a common origin, “then” retained its primary meaning related to time (“at that time,” “next”) and sequence, diverging in function from “than” over the centuries.

Related Concepts

Understanding these broader grammatical concepts can help solidify your grasp of “than” and “then” and avoid common errors.

• Conjunctions of Comparison: Words like “than” that connect clauses or phrases to establish a comparison, highlighting differences or similarities in degree.
• Adverbs of Time and Sequence: Words such as “then” that specify when an action occurs, its order in a series of events, or a logical consequence.
• Prepositions: Words like “from” that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. This is relevant when considering the debate between “differently than” and “differently from.”

Examples from Media and Literature

• “He saw the world differently than she did, a chasm of perspective separating them.”
• “First, the rain came, then the thunder rolled, shaking the very foundations of the house.”
• “The company’s strategy evolved differently than its competitors, focusing on niche markets rather than mass appeal.”
• “If you want to achieve something truly great, then you must be willing to put in the necessary effort.”
• “She looked at him, and then she smiled, a slow, knowing expression that softened her features.”

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. My new phone operates completely ________ my old one. (than / then)
2. We’ll eat dinner, and ________ we can watch a movie. (than / then)
3. The speaker paused, ________ continued his presentation. (than / then)
4. You’re taller ________ your brother. (than / then)
5. If you finish your homework, ________ you can play outside. (than / then)

Answer Key

1. My new phone operates completely than my old one.
2. We’ll eat dinner, and then we can watch a movie.
3. The speaker paused, then continued his presentation.
4. You’re taller than your brother.
5. If you finish your homework, then you can play outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “differently than” always correct?
While “differently than” is widely used and accepted in American English, especially in informal contexts, some grammarians prefer “differently from.” The latter is often considered more grammatically precise because “from” is a preposition that indicates separation or origin, which aligns well with expressing difference. However, “differently than” is very common and generally understood.

Question 2: Can “then” ever be used in a comparison?
No, “then” should never be used to introduce a comparison. Its primary functions are to indicate time, sequence, or consequence. Using “then” in place of “than” for comparison is a common grammatical error.

Question 3: What’s the main function of “than”?
“Than” functions primarily as a conjunction or preposition. Its main role is to introduce the second element in a comparison, indicating inequality, distinction, or difference between two items, ideas, or actions.

Conclusion

The distinction between “than” and “then” is fundamental for clear and correct communication. Remember that “than” is your go-to for all forms of comparison, including phrases like “differently than,” while “then” is reserved for matters of time, sequence, or logical consequence. Avoiding the confusion, particularly in phrases like “differently than or then,” will significantly enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Pro Tip: Always double-check your usage in comparative sentences. Misusing “than” and “then” is a common error that can detract from your credibility in professional and academic contexts.