Looking for the correct usage of More Then or More Than but still feeling confused? You’re not alone this is one of the most common English mistakes people make in everyday writing. I’ve been there too, double checking sentences just to make sure I got it right.
Even though the words look similar, their meanings and uses are completely different. One small word can change the entire meaning of a sentence. That’s why understanding this difference is so important for clear communication.
In this guide, I’ll break it down in a simple and friendly way. So you can use the right phrase with confidence every time.
Quick Answer:
The correct phrase is “more than”. ✅ “More then” is almost always a mistake unless “then” is part of a separate idea.
Let’s dive deeper and clear up this common grammar confusion once and for all.
What Does “More Than” Mean? 📚
“More than” is used to compare quantities, amounts, or degrees. It shows that one thing is greater than another.
Examples:
- I have more than five apples. 🍎
- She earns more than her brother. 💼
- This cake weighs more than two kilograms. 🎂
Key point: If you can replace the phrase with “over”, it’s almost always correct:
- ✅ “I have over five apples” → “I have more than five apples”
When Is “More Then” Used? ❓
The phrase “more then” is rarely correct. “Then” refers to time or sequence, not comparison.
Examples where “then” is correct:
- First we went to the park, and then we had ice cream. 🍦
- If you finish your homework, then you can play.
- Back then, things were simpler.
Common mistake: Writing “more then” instead of “more than”:
- ❌ “I have more then 5 pens.”
✅ Correct: “I have more than 5 pens.”
More Than vs More Then: Side-by-Side Comparison 📊
| Phrase | Meaning | Usage | Example |
| More than ✅ | Indicates greater quantity, degree, or amount | Use in comparisons | I have more than 10 books. |
| More then ❌ | Usually a grammar mistake; “then” relates to time | Rarely correct | Incorrect: I have more then 10 books. Correct: I went to the store, then I went home. |
How to Remember the Difference (Mnemonic) 🧠
- Than → Comparison (Think of the “a” in “than” as standing for “amount”)
- Then → Time/Sequence (Think of “e” in “then” as standing for “event”)
Memory trick:
If you’re comparing, use than. If you’re talking about time, use then. ✅
Real Life Examples of More Than ✅
Emails ✉️
- “We received more than 50 applications for the position.”
- “Please allow more than 24 hours for a response.”
Social Media 📱
- “I can’t believe it! I have more than 1,000 followers! 🎉”
- “This filter has been used more than 500 times.”
News Headlines 📰
- “More than 10,000 people attended the festival this year.”
- “The company reported more than $1 million in revenue.”
Academic Writing 📖
- “The study involved more than 200 participants.”
- “More than 70% of students preferred online learning.”
Everyday Speech 🗣️
- “I spend more than two hours commuting every day.”
- “She talks more than anyone I know!”
Common Mistakes & Tips ❌✅
- Mistake: “I have more then 5 pencils.”
Fix: “I have more than 5 pencils.” - Mistake: “He has more then her.”
Fix: “He has more than her.” - Tip: Anytime you’re unsure, check if it’s a comparison (use than) or a time/sequence (use then).
British vs American English 🌍
Good news! “More than” is standard in both British and American English. The mistake “more then” is not recognized in either variant. So, remembering this rule works globally.
Examples Table for Easy Reference 📝
| Sentence Type | Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage |
| Quantity | I have more than 5 pens. | I have more then 5 pens. |
| Salary | She earns more than $50,000. | She earns more then $50,000. |
| Time Sequence | We went to the park, and then we ate lunch. | We went to the park, and than we ate lunch. |
| Social Media | I have more than 2,000 followers. | I have more then 2,000 followers. |
Tips to Avoid Confusion 🎯
- Remember: Than = Comparison, Then = Time
- Try replacing more than with over. If it works, you’re correct.
- Read your sentence aloud: If it talks about sequence or time, use then.
FAQs People Also Ask (PAA) 💬
Q1: Can I ever use “more then” correctly?
A: Rarely. It’s only correct if “then” refers to time, not comparison.
Q2: Is “more than” used for numbers only?
A: No! It can also compare degrees, quantities, or qualities.
- Example: She is more than capable of handling this task.
Q3: How do I remember the difference between than and then?
A: Use the mnemonic: “Than = Amount/Comparison, Then = Event/Time.”
Q4: Is “more than” correct in both UK and US English?
A: Yes! It’s standard and widely accepted globally.
Q5: Can I replace “more than” with “over”?
A: Yes, in most contexts.
- Example: More than 50 people attended → Over 50 people attended.
Q6: Why do people write “more then” by mistake?
A: It’s usually a spelling error, as “then” and “than” sound similar when spoken.
Q7: Is “more than” formal enough for academic writing?
A: Absolutely! It’s widely used in academic, professional, and casual writing.
Conclusion 🎉
To sum up:
- ✅ Use more than for comparisons.
- ❌ Avoid more then unless “then” is part of a time-related sequence.
- Remember the mnemonic: Than = Amount, Then = Event.
With practice, you’ll never confuse them again! Keep this guide handy for emails, essays, social media posts, and everyday conversations.
