Answer #1

In English, grammatical rule is very important so as to attain a correct and coherent sentence because a misused word could lead to an incorrect sentence or could create a meaning other than the real one you intended. When it comes to the words “than” and “then”, although they look and sound similar, they are completely used in a different way. The word ‘than’ can function as a subordinating conjunction which connects a dependent clause and independent clause. However, an issue arises on whether the word ‘than’ is a conjunction or a preposition due to instances that the subordinate clause is ellipted. If it is used as a preposition, the word after it should be in an object form but if it functions as a conjunction it should be followed by a subjective pronoun. It can also be applied after a comparative adjective or adverb. In comparison, the word ‘then’ functions as a conjunction which connects two independent clauses together. But it is not considered to be a coordinating conjunction, it’s better to be termed as adverbial conjunction. Despite the fact that it connects two independent clauses like a coordinating conjunction does but this word can actually be moved around within a certain clause. A coordinating conjunction doesn’t have this use because it can only be put in an exact place and couldn’t be move around in a clause. In addition, then is used as a time marker but than can’t be used this way. The word ‘then’ can also be used to point out a sequence of events but it is never used to compare two people, events, or things. Then can even be used as an adjective which could mean being at the time mentioned. It can also be a noun which means that time. The word ‘than’ can also be used to show a person’s preferences or to state an exception.

Answered By: jewanah [7 ]