Have you ever stopped while writing and thought, “Should I write more than or more then?” If yes, trust me — you’re not the only one!
This tiny spelling mistake can completely change the meaning of your sentence. Every month, thousands of people search this exact confusion — especially students, writers, and professionals who want their writing to be grammatically perfect.
The confusion happens because than and then look very similar, but their meanings and uses are totally different.
In this article, we’ll explain clearly and simply when to use more than and why more then is incorrect.
By the end, you’ll have a crystal-clear understanding, so next time you write, you’ll confidently choose the right one — whether it’s for an email, essay, or blog post!
More Than or More Then – Quick Answer
The correct phrase is “more than.”
- Use “more than” to compare quantities or degree.
- Example: “She has more than 10 years of experience.”
- Example: “She has more than 10 years of experience.”
- “More then” is almost always a mistake. “Then” means “at that time” or “next.”
- Incorrect: “He has more then five cars.”
- Correct: “He finished work, and then he went home.”
- Incorrect: “He has more then five cars.”
👉 Rule of thumb: When comparing, always use more than.
The Origin of More Than or More Then
The word “than” comes from Old English þanne, meaning “then, after, in comparison with.” Over time, it became the standard word for comparisons.
The word “then” also comes from Old English *þanne/þænne, meaning “at that time.”
Because both words share the same root and once overlapped in meaning, people often confuse them. Today, “than” = comparison while “then” = time/order.
British English vs American English Spelling
Good news: this is not a spelling difference between British and American English. Both dialects use:
- More than → correct.
- More then → incorrect (except in very rare cases when “then” is used in a sequence).
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Correct Usage | Example |
| More than | ✅ Yes | “She earns more than her brother.” |
| More then | ❌ Wrong (comparison) | “He is taller more then me.” |
| … then | ✅ Sequence | “He studied, then passed the test.” |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- Academic/Professional Writing → Always use more than.
- Casual Writing → Still use more than unless describing a timeline.
- US, UK, Global English → There is no regional difference—more than is correct everywhere.
If in doubt, ask: Am I comparing? If yes, use than.
Common Mistakes with More Than or More Then
- Wrong substitution: “He has more then enough money.” ❌
Correct: “He has more than enough money.” ✅ - Mixing time and comparison: “She studied more then her friend.” ❌
Correct: “She studied more than her friend.” ✅ - Overusing both: “It was more then more than I expected.” ❌
More Than or More Then in Everyday Examples
- Email: “We received more than 200 responses.”
- News Headline: “More than half of voters supported the change.”
- Social Media: “I love this movie more than words can say ❤️.”
- Formal Report: “This year’s revenue grew more than 15% compared to last year.”
More Than or More Then – Google Trends & Usage Data
Google search data shows that:
- “More than” is searched far more often and appears in professional contexts.
- “More then” appears mostly in grammar correction searches, meaning people want to know if it’s wrong.
- Globally, “more than” is the standard phrase in English everywhere—US, UK, India, Canada, and Australia.
Comparison Table
| Version | Correctness | Popularity | Region |
| More than | ✅ Correct | High | Global |
| More then | ❌ Wrong | Low | Mostly learners’ searches |
FAQs
1. Which is correct: more than or more then?
Always use more than for comparisons.
2. Can “more then” ever be right?
Rarely. Only if “then” means time/sequence, e.g., “We did more, then we stopped.”
3. Why do people confuse them?
Because “than” and “then” look and sound similar.
4. Is “more than” formal?
Yes, but it’s also used in casual speech and writing.
5. What are some alternatives to “more than”?
“Greater than,” “over,” “exceeding.”
6. Does British English ever use “more then”?
No. Both British and American English prefer more than.
7. How can I remember the difference?
Think: Than = comparison, Then = time.
Ambience or Ambiance: Stop Guessing and Learn the Correct One
Conclusion
The confusion between “more than” or “more then” is common, but the answer is simple. Use “more than” whenever you’re comparing numbers, amounts, or qualities. The phrase “more then” is almost always wrong, except in rare cases where “then” is part of a sequence. This mistake often happens because than and then share a similar history and sound. However, modern English keeps them separate: than = comparison, then = time/order.
For clarity, professionalism, and correct grammar, always choose more than in your writing. Whether you’re preparing business emails, writing reports, or posting online, using the correct phrase will make your English precise and polished. Next time you hesitate, just ask: Am I comparing? If yes, the answer is always more than.
Nathaniel Gray is a talented writer at lingorae.com, known for his clever wit and engaging style.
A true master of puns, he crafts playful wordplay that entertains and delights readers.
