Confusing words explained
“than” vs “that” — What’s the Difference?
Than = for comparing (two things). That = pointing to something specific.
Key takeaway
Quick Difference: than vs that
Than = for comparing (two things). That = pointing to something specific.
than vs that Side-by-Side Comparison
Meaning of than
Used to introduce the second part of a comparison between two things.
Word used to show that one thing is more or less of something compared to another thing.
Always use for comparisons: 'X is bigger than Y.' Compare 'than' with 'then' carefully.
- He is taller than his brother.
- This book is more interesting than that one.
Meaning of that
A demonstrative determiner or pronoun used to indicate a specific person, thing, or idea that is distant in time, space, or previously mentioned.
A word to point to or show a specific person or thing, usually farther away or already talked about.
Use 'that' for distant items. 'This' is for nearby items. 'That' can also introduce a clause: 'I know that you're right'.
- That dog is very friendly.
- I like that movie you mentioned yesterday.
Usage Notes & Nuance
than: Very common in speech and writing; often confused with 'then' by learners of English.
that: 'That's what I'm talking about!' is a common expression of agreement or emphasis in English.
How to Remember the Difference
Than = for comparing (two things). That = pointing to something specific.
Common Mistakes with than and that
Mistake with than
Wrong: He is more tall than me.
Correct: He is taller than me.
Use comparative form 'taller', not 'more tall' (one-syllable adjective).
Mistake with than
Wrong: She is more smart then her sister.
Correct: She is smarter than her sister.
Use 'than' not 'then'. And 'smarter', not 'more smart'.
Mistake with that
Wrong: I like that book but I prefer this one.
Correct: I like that book but I prefer this one. (correct)
Actually correct. Use 'that' for the distant/previous item; 'this' for the current one.
Mistake with that
Wrong: He said that he is happy.
Correct: He said that he is happy. (or He said he is happy.)
Both are correct. Omitting 'that' in reported speech is optional but grammatical.
Practice Quiz: than or that?
Choose the word that best completes each real example sentence.
Question 1
He is taller _____ his brother.
Question 2
This book is more interesting _____ that one.
Question 3
The situation is far more complicated _____ it initially appeared.
Pick at least one answer, then press Check answers to see how you did.
You scored 0 out of 3
Frequently Asked Questions About than vs that
What’s the difference between “than” and “that”?
Than = for comparing (two things). That = pointing to something specific.
When should I use “than”?
Always use for comparisons: 'X is bigger than Y.' Compare 'than' with 'then' carefully.
When should I use “that”?
Use 'that' for distant items. 'This' is for nearby items. 'That' can also introduce a clause: 'I know that you're right'.
How can I remember than vs that?
Than = for comparing (two things). That = pointing to something specific.
Is it “than” or “that” in example sentences?
Use the quiz above to test the pair with real example sentences from the available word data.