Have you ever typed more then and wondered if it looked wrong? You are not alone.
Many people confuse More Than or More Then because the words look almost the same. They sound similar. But they do not mean the same thing.
This small spelling mistake can change your sentence. It can also make emails, essays, or blog posts look unprofessional.
Students, writers, job seekers, and even business owners search for this keyword to avoid grammar mistakes. They want a clear rule. They want fast answers.
This guide solves that confusion. You will learn the quick difference, the meaning of each word, common mistakes, and which one you should use. You will also see real examples and usage data.
Let’s clear it up once and for all.
Quick Answer
Quick Rule:
- More than = Used for comparison or quantity
- More then = Usually wrong in this case
Examples:
- I have more than five books.
- She earns more than her brother.
- This costs more than $50.
Now look at then:
- We went home, then we ate dinner.
- Finish your work, then call me.
👉 Then is about time or sequence.
👉 Than is about comparison.
If you are comparing, always use more than.
The Origin of More Than or More Then
The confusion comes from two old English words.
- Than comes from Old English “þanne”. It was used for comparison.
- Then also comes from Old English “þanne”, but its meaning changed over time to refer to time or order.
Because both words came from the same root, they look alike. Over time, English changed. The meanings became different. But the spelling stayed very close.
That is why many writers still mix them up today.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British and American English for this keyword.
Both use:
- More than (correct for comparison)
- Then (correct for time)
Unlike words such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (UK title) and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (US title), this grammar rule stays the same in both regions.
Comparison Table
| Usage Type | Correct Form | Example | US English | UK English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | More than | She has more than 10 shoes. | ✅ Same | ✅ Same |
| Time/Order | Then | We ate, then we left. | ✅ Same | ✅ Same |
| Incorrect Comparison | More then | She has more then 10 shoes. | ❌ Wrong | ❌ Wrong |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
It depends on meaning, not country.
- 🇺🇸 United States → Use more than for comparison.
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom → Use more than for comparison.
- 🌍 Global English → Same rule applies.
If you are comparing numbers, amounts, or people — choose more than.
If you are talking about time or what happens next — choose then.
Simple.
Common Mistakes with More Than or More Then
Here are frequent errors:
❌ I have more then 20 emails.
✅ I have more than 20 emails.
❌ She is more then happy.
✅ She is more than happy.
❌ He earns more then me.
✅ He earns more than me.
Another mistake:
❌ More than we went home.
✅ Then we went home.
Remember:
- Than = compare
- Then = time
More Than or More Then in Everyday Examples
1. Email
“I received more than 50 applications.”
2. News
“The company made more than $1 million in profit.”
3. Social Media
“I love you more than pizza.”
4. Formal Writing
“The results were more than satisfactory.”
5. Casual Conversation
“Finish homework, then watch TV.”
These examples show how common this rule is in daily life.
More Than or More Then – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that “more than” is used far more often than “more then.”
People usually search:
- “Is it more than or more then?”
- “More then meaning”
- “More than grammar rule”
The mistake “more then” appears often in informal writing. But in professional content, more than is the correct and dominant form worldwide.
English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia follow the same rule.
Comparison Table: Than vs Then
| Word | Meaning | Used For | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Than | Comparison | Bigger, smaller, more, less | She is taller than me. |
| Then | Time/Sequence | After that, next | We ate, then we slept. |
FAQs
1. Is “more then” ever correct?
Not for comparison. It is usually a mistake.
2. Why do people confuse than and then?
They sound similar and share the same historical root.
3. Is this a grammar or spelling mistake?
It is a word choice mistake.
4. Do British people spell it differently?
No. Both British and American English use the same spelling.
5. Can I say “more then that”?
No. The correct form is “more than that.”
6. How can I remember the difference?
Think:
A in than = compare
E in then = time
7. Is this mistake serious?
In casual chat, maybe not. In exams or business writing, yes.
Conclusion
The difference between More Than or More Then is simple but important. One word shows comparison. The other shows time.
If you are comparing numbers, people, or things, use more than. If you are talking about what happens next, use then.
This mistake is common because the words look and sound alike. But the meanings are very different.
The good news? The rule is easy to remember. Than compares. Then tells time.
Both American and British English follow the same rule. There is no regional change. That makes it easier for global writers.
If you want clean, professional writing, always check this pair before you publish. One small letter can change everything.
Master this rule today. Write with confidence tomorrow.
Discover More Blogs:
Resume or CV? Avoid This Common Job Application Mistake
Begun or Began? The Clear Grammar Rule Explained
Cancelled or Canceled: UK vs US Spelling Explained with Examples
I am Daniel Cross, a unique and modern name with a strong digital identity.
I am a trending presence on Grammexa.com, representing creativity and innovation.
I am here to share unique ideas and fresh online trends.
