# than

/ˈðæn/ (US) · /ðˈɐn/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Conjunction

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/than
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

used to compare two things or people. You use it when the first thing has more or less of a quality than the second one.

For teachers: used to introduce the second element in a comparison. Functions as a subordinator following comparative adjectives or adverbs.

## Examples

- She is taller than her brother.
- The new office is much closer to the train station than the old one was.
- While the initial investment was higher than we anticipated, the long-term savings on energy costs more than justified the expenditure over the first three years.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is taller then me" but "He is taller than me" — Learners often confuse 'than' (comparison) with 'then' (time).

## Usage notes

- Used after comparative adjectives (ending in -er or with 'more') and certain words like 'rather' or 'other'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.