The Usage of "Than" in English Grammar

What is "Than"?

"Than" is a conjunction used to make comparisons between two entities. It is one of the most common conjunctions encountered in English, particularly when discussing differences or preferences.

Primary Functions of "Than"

The primary function of "than" is comparative. Here are some of its essential uses:

• Comparative Adjectives: "Than" is often used with comparative adjectives to highlight differences. For example, "She is taller than her brother."
• Comparative Adverbs: It is also used with adverbs. For example, "He runs faster than I do."
• More than one: "Than" can imply a greater quantity or level. For example, "There are more apples than oranges."

Common Misuses of "Than"

English speakers often confuse "than" with "then." Here are key differences:

• Than: Used for making comparisons (e.g., "She is smarter than I am.")
• Then: Refers to time (e.g., "We went to the store, and then we went home.")

Examples of "Than" in Sentences

Here are some illustrative examples of how "than" is utilized in various contexts:

• "This book is more interesting than the one I read last week."
• "He is older than his sister."
• "The movie was better than I expected."
• "She can speak English better than I can."

Additional Information

In mathematics and logic, the term "greater than" is symbolized by ">", which is a direct parallel to the grammatical usage of "than." Understanding this separable context can help learners grasp both linguistic and logical comparisons more effectively.