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Speaking as an American, it's not all that hard to know when to use "then" and when "than" is appropriate.
Then: is used when describing a linear progression - first this, then that.
Than: is used when contrasting or separating - rather this than that.
Not tough at all.
Oh, and one last thing....since this is a grammatically-correct thread, it would be worth noting that the title should read "Americans' use of 'then' instead of 'than' ". Since there is more than one American involved, the apostrophe is utilized at the end of the word. If one American was the focus of the phrase, then the placing of the apostrophe would be correct.
Last edited by wry1; 10-06-2003 at 01:30 PM..
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