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In my classroom, “other than” versus “other then” is one of the easiest mistakes to catch because it’s also one of the easiest to fix. Students tell me they mix these up because they sound almost identical when spoken — but they have completely different meanings in written English. The good news: once you know the rule, you’ll never confuse them again.
You’ll covers the correct usage of “other than” (the only valid phrase), explains why “other then” is wrong, and gives you practical examples you can use in your own writing.
Key Takeaways
- Other than is correct — it means “except for” or “besides”, used to show an exception or exclusion.
- Other then is always wrong — it is not a valid phrase in English grammar.
- Memory hook — than is for comparison or exception; then is for time or sequence.
- Test phrase — replace “other than” with “except for” — if it fits, you’re using the right word.
- Pronunciation trap — they sound nearly identical, which is why writers confuse them; spelling is what matters.
Other Than: The Correct Phrase
“Other than” is a preposition or conjunction used to mean “except for” or “besides” — it indicates that something or someone is different from or excluded from a group. In formal writing, it’s one of the most common ways to show an exception.
Definition and Usage
Other than connects two parts of a sentence and signals an exception to a rule or group. It pairs with nouns, pronouns, or noun phrases.
Example 1: I like all fruits other than bananas.
Example 2: Other than English, she speaks French and Spanish fluently.
Example 3: I have no hobbies other than reading books.
Example 4: The restaurant serves all kinds of meat other than pork.
Example 5: Other than that criticism, the report was excellent.
Tip: In all these examples, you can swap “other than” with “except for” or “aside from” — if the sentence still makes sense, you’re using it correctly.
Other Then: Always Wrong
“Other then” is not a valid phrase in English grammar. The words “other” and “then” are grammatically incompatible — they don’t have any meaningful relationship to each other. “Then” is an adverb indicating time, sequence, or a conditional result. It cannot be paired with “other.”
Why the Mistake Happens
People confuse “other than” and “other then” because:
- Pronunciation: When spoken aloud, “than” and “then” sound nearly identical in casual speech.
- Similar spelling: Both words are four letters, with only the final two letters different.
- Common homophones: English learners often mix up these homophones without realizing the spelling difference matters for grammar.
Incorrect examples:
✗ Wrong: Other then that, the movie was great.
✓ Correct: Other than that, the movie was great.
✗ Wrong: I don’t have any plans other then going to the gym.
✓ Correct: I don’t have any plans other than going to the gym.
Comparing Other Than, Other Then, Then, and Than
| Word/Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Valid in English? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other than | Preposition/Conjunction | Except for; besides | ✓ Yes, always correct |
| Other then | N/A (not valid) | N/A | ✗ No, never use |
| Then | Adverb | At that time; next in sequence | ✓ Yes (used correctly) |
| Than | Conjunction | Comparison; used in comparative statements | ✓ Yes (used correctly) |
Contexts: When to Use Other Than
In Comparative Statements
“Other than” often appears when comparing groups or making exclusions.
Example: I like all fruits other than bananas.
Example: Every student passed the exam other than Marcus.
Example: Other than the price, everything about this car is perfect.
In Exclusion Statements
Use “other than” to indicate what is NOT included in a list or group.
Example: We have no choice other than to wait for the storm to pass.
Example: Other than English, the hotel staff speaks no other languages.
Example: The boat washed ashore with no one in it, other than Judy.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
✗ Incorrect: Other then that, I don’t have any complaints.
✓ Correct: Other than that, I don’t have any complaints.
Why: “Then” refers to time or sequence, not exceptions. “Other than” is the correct phrase for exclusions.
✗ Incorrect: I don’t like any color other then blue.
✓ Correct: I don’t like any color other than blue.
Why: “Other than” shows the exception; “other then” is not a word combination in English.
✗ Incorrect: The policy applies to all employees other then the interns.
✓ Correct: The policy applies to all employees other than the interns.
Why: Again, “other than” is the only correct form for indicating exceptions.
Other Than vs. Except For vs. Besides: Are They the Same?
While “other than,” “except for,” and “besides” all relate to exceptions and additions, they’re not always interchangeable. Here’s the distinction:
| Phrase | Meaning | Example | Use When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other than | Excludes; indicates what is not included | I like all fruits other than bananas. | Showing exceptions or exclusions |
| Except for | Excludes; similar meaning to “other than” | I like all fruits except for bananas. | Formal or interchangeable with “other than” |
| Besides | In addition to; suggests inclusion rather than exclusion | Besides studying, I work part-time. | Adding information about what IS included |
Key rule: “Besides” = addition (what IS included). “Other than” / “Except for” = exclusion (what is NOT included). Swapping them can change your meaning, so pay attention to context.
Sample Dialogue
Priya: Hey, I’m writing my essay and I’m not sure: “Other than the grammar issues, the argument is strong” — is that right?
Leon: Yes, that’s perfect. “Other than” means “except for” — you’re saying the grammar needs work, but the argument is good.
Priya: Got it. What if I accidentally write “other then”?
Leon: That’s a mistake. “Then” is for time and sequence, like “I’ll eat lunch, then go to the gym.” Never use “other then” — it’s not valid English.
Priya: Simple rule — I’ll remember. Other than = exception; other then = never.
Leon: Exactly right.
Quick Quiz
Choose the correct word or phrase:
- I love all seasons ________ winter. (other than / other then)
- ________ paying for the ticket, I have no other expenses for the trip. (Other than / Other then)
- The team won every game ________ the playoff match. (other than / other then)
- If it rains, ________ we’ll stay indoors. (other than / then)
- Every student submitted their homework ________ James. (other than / other then)
Answers: 1. other than · 2. Other than · 3. other than · 4. then · 5. other than.
Related Articles
- ↑ Master Pillar: English Grammar
- ↑ Back to pillar: English Confused Words (Pillar)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between “other than” and “other then”?
“Other than” is the correct phrase meaning “except for” or “besides.” “Other then” is not valid English — it’s a common spelling mistake caused by confusion between the homophones “than” and “then.”
Can I use “other than” and “except for” interchangeably?
Yes, in most contexts “other than” and “except for” are interchangeable. Both mean to exclude something from a group. However, “other than” is often considered slightly more formal.
Is “other then” ever correct in English?
No. “Other then” is never correct in English. If you’re tempted to write it, use “other than” instead.
What’s the difference between “besides” and “other than”?
“Besides” implies addition — it means “in addition to.” “Other than” implies exclusion — it means “except for.” Example: “Besides studying (in addition to studying), I work.” vs. “I like everything other than spinach (except spinach).”
How do I remember which spelling is correct?
Remember: “Than” is used in comparison (“She is taller than he is”); “other than” is also about comparison or exception. “Then” is about time or sequence (“First we studied, then we played”). If you’re not talking about time or sequence, use “other than.”
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