How can I use then and than in a sentence?

"Then" and "than" are easily confused because they sound similar, but have entirely different meanings and uses:

Then (adverb): Refers to time. It indicates something happened after another event.

Than (conjunction): Used for comparisons. It connects two things or ideas to show a difference.

Here are some examples:

Then:

* I ate dinner, then I watched TV. (Indicates the order of events)

* She was sad, but then she received good news. (Shows a change in emotion over time)

Than:

* My dog is bigger than yours. (Compares size)

* I like apples more than oranges. (Compares preference)

* He is older than she is. (Compares age)

Putting it together:

* I went to the store, and then I came home. My groceries were heavier than I expected. (Uses both correctly)

Remember: If you're unsure whether to use "then" or "than," consider whether you're talking about time or comparing something.