Prose Parade
Grammar and writing basics

Then and than are not the same word, and spell checker WILL NOT catch the error. Even some grammar checkers don’t, or if they do, they tell you to choose and give a slipshod definition. Spell and grammar checkers are not the end of the editing process. Ever.

Then means at a certain time. For example, between then and now.

Than means a comparison. For example, I’d rather be me than you.

Just watch your fingers when you type, and when you edit the manuscript or project or whatever (you do that, don’t you?), keep an eye out for this very common problem.

We’ll be dealing with different than and different from at another time.