A1 high_frequency_chunk

Than

UK /["/ðən//ðæn/"]/ US /["/ðən//ðæn/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

Listen to definition

In simple words: Used to compare two things.

Examples

• I would rather read books than watch TV.
• She is taller than her brother.
• This cake is better than the one we made yesterday.
• I like apples more than oranges.
• He prefers coffee than tea.

Usage notes

Usually used in comparisons. Avoid using in affirmative sentences without a comparative element.

Grammar pattern

than + comparative adjective or noun

Memory hint

Think of 'than' as in 'greater than' when comparing sizes.

Collocations

• better than
• taller than
• more expensive than

Synonyms

• compared to
• in comparison with

Common mistakes

• Using 'then' instead of 'than' for comparisons.
• Forgetting to include a comparative adjective when using 'than'.