Less Than vs Less Then: Which Is Correct?
The correct phrase is less than. Than is used to compare two things, while then is about time or sequence. “Less then” is a common typing mistake and is never correct when you are making a comparison.
Quick Answer
| Phrase | Correct? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Less than | ✅ Yes | Than compares two things. |
| Less then | ❌ No | Then refers to time, not comparison. |
What Does “Than” Mean?
Than is a conjunction used in comparisons. It appears after comparative words such as less, more, better, bigger, rather and other.
- This phone costs less than $300.
- She is taller than her brother.
- I would rather walk than wait for the bus.
What Does “Then” Mean?
Then is an adverb that talks about time or order. It answers the question when? or shows what comes next.
- Finish your homework, then you can play.
- We lived in Lahore back then.
- If it rains, then we will stay inside.
Why “Less Then” Is Wrong
Because than and then differ by only one vowel and sound almost the same in fast speech, writers often type then by accident. But “less” is a comparative word, so it must always be followed by than.
Memory Trick
Than is for comparison. Then is for when.
More Examples
- ✅ It took less than an hour.
- ✅ Fewer than ten people came.
- ✅ More than half the class passed.
- ❌ It took less then an hour.
Less Than vs Fewer Than
Use fewer than with things you can count (fewer than five apples) and less than with things you cannot count (less than a litre of milk). In both cases, the word after is than.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “less then” ever correct?
Only by coincidence in a sentence like “Eat less, then rest”, where then starts a new idea about time. For comparisons, always use less than.
How do I remember than vs then?
Link the “a” in than with “a” in comparison, and the “e” in then with “e” in when.
Final Thoughts
Whenever you compare amounts, sizes or choices, use than. Keep then for time and sequence, and you will never write “less then” again.
