Thoughts Inspiration Education: The 10 Most Common Grammar Errors Part 4

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In the previous three blogs, Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3, of this grammatical mini-series, I’ve given some examples of the most common mistakes people make in grammar and explained what the differences are and how to know when to use what. I like to keep it to the basics, so anyone can understand and easily follow.

You do not have to be an aspiring author and/or have a masters in English literature to learn these simple rules. If you have a literature-unrelated business and writing isn’t your strongest point, you might think you don’t need to write great copy for your posts. But as I pointed out earlier, impressions count. And people will decide about purchasing your products and services on the basis of how you present yourself.

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This mini-series will not cover all of the errors people commit, but the ones featured here are the most common ones. And once you eliminate these, you’re a long way towards a better presentation. As I always say, words carry power.

Don’t ever underestimate this and always put your best foot forward.

Grammar Error #7

I cannot begin to describe how often I have seen these used interchangeably. And in the comments on my blog posts, I have received quite a lot of feedback on examples for grammatical errors. The then/than one has featured quite high on the list of mentions. So let me explain the difference and when to use one or the other. It’s really quite simple and it’ll make a world of difference in your writing.

The online dictionary.com defines then in this way:

Adverb

1. at that time:

Prices were lower then.

2. immediately or soon afterward:

The rain stopped and then started again.

3. next in order of time:

We ate, then we started home.

4. at the same time:

At first the water seemed blue, then gray.

5. next in order of place:

Standing beside Charlie is my uncle, then my cousin, then my brother.

6. in addition; besides; also:

I love my job, and then it pays so well.

7. in that case; as a consequence; in those circumstances:

If you're sick, then you should stay in bed.

8. since that is so; as it appears; therefore:

You have, then, found the mistake? You are leaving tonight then.

Adjective

9. being; being such; existing or being at the time indicated:

the then prime minister.

Noun

10. that time:

We have not been back since then. Till then, farewell.

Idioms

11. but then, but on the other hand:

I found their conversation very dull, but then I have different tastes.

12. then and there, at that precise time and place; at once; on the spot:

I started to pack my things right then and there.

Also, there and then.

Than, on the other hand, is defined as such:

Conjunction

1. (used, as after comparative adjectives and adverbs, to introduce the second

member of an unequal comparison):

She's taller than I am.

2. (used after some adverbs and adjectives expressing choice or diversity, such as other, otherwise, else, anywhere, or different, to introduce an alternative or denote a difference in kind, place, style, identity, etc.):

I had no choice other than that. You won't find such freedom anywhere else than in this country.

3. (used to introduce the rejected choice in expressions of preference):

I'd rather walk than drive there.

4. except; other than: