Can you tell me which one you would use in a sentence then or than?

1. 51

   dsandeckiposted 15 years ago

   Can you tell me which one you would use in a sentence then or than?
   
   .I want to come to your party sooner rather (than/then) later if you're not going to be too busy?  I still don't quite understand the answer to this question.  Need more answers.
   asked by dsandecki 26 minutes agoflag
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2. 61

   Jacob Darkleyposted 15 years ago

   Short answer: You should definitely use "than".
   
   
   
   Longer answer:
   
   "Than" is used when making a comparison (as you are--in this case, you're comparing "sooner" to "later").
   
   "Then" has more meanings, listed below from dictionary.com:
   
   –adverb
   1.
   at that time: Prices were lower then.
   2.
   immediately or soon afterward: The rain stopped and then started again.
   3.
   next in order of time: We ate, then we started home.
   4.
   at the same time: At first the water seemed blue, then gray.
   5.
   next in order of place: Standing beside Charlie is my uncle, then my cousin, then my brother.
   6.
   in addition; besides; also: I love my job, and then it pays so well.
   7.
   in that case; as a consequence; in those circumstances: If you're sick, then you should stay in bed.
   8.
   since that is so; as it appears; therefore: You have, then, found the mistake? You are leaving tonight then.
   
   –adjective
   9.
   being; being such; existing or being at the time indicated: the then prime minister.
   
   –noun
   10.
   that time: We have not been back since then. Till then, farewell.
   
   
   I hope this helps.
   
   Jacob

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3. 72

   ddsurfscaposted 14 years ago

   To my knowledge and understanding, then is used when talking about a time, example-- it's either then or now.
   the word than, is used when referring to a comparison, example,  this coffee is better than yours.

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