ELA
Confusing then and than
Swapping the comparison word than with the time word then.
Quick check
Why students make it
The words look and sound nearly identical, differing by a single letter.
The rule done right
"Than" is for comparisons, bigger than. "Then" is about time or sequence, first this then that.
Related resources
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Common Grammar Mistakes Infographic -
Parts of Speech Infographic -
Sentence Types Infographic - Commonly Confused Words & Homophones Cheat Sheet
- Grammar & Punctuation Cheat Sheet
- Parts of Speech Cheat Sheet
- Sequence: First, Next, Then, Finally Worksheet
- Language Arts: Sequence of Events and Transition Words Worksheet
- Language Arts: Word Choice and Precise Language Worksheet
- Grammar Patterns Explorer Tool
- Text Structure Identifier Tool
- Paragraph Organizer Tool
- Story Structure Builder Tool
- Grammar Patterns Lab Lab
- Story Plot Arc Lab Lab
- Narrative Writing Lab Lab