Other than is correct and means except or apart from. Other then is incorrect because then relates to time, not comparison. Example: I like all fruits other than bananas.
I used to confuse other than and other then while writing emails and assignments. I once wrote “other then this point, everything is correct,” and it felt slightly off. After checking grammar rules, I realized that other than is always the correct phrase, while other then is a common mistake caused by confusion between than and then.
I started noticing this error everywhere online. Once I understood that than is used for comparison and exclusion, while then is used for time, the confusion completely disappeared.
If you have made the same mistake, this guide will help you fix it permanently with clear rules and examples.
Quick Answer
Other than is the correct phrase. It means except, apart from, or in addition to.
Other then is incorrect because then refers to time, not comparison.
Examples
Correct
I have no plans other than studying today.
Incorrect
I have no plans other then studying today.
Other Than vs Other Then Meaning
Other Than
The phrase other than is used to exclude something or show difference.
It means:
- Except
- Apart from
- Besides
Examples
Everyone passed the exam other than Ali.
I don’t like any color other than black.
Other than that, everything is fine.
Other Then
The phrase other then is grammatically incorrect in standard English.
This mistake happens because people confuse then with than.
Difference Between Other Than and Other Then
| Phrase | Meaning | Correct Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other Than | Except or apart from | Correct | Other than this, all is fine |
| Other Then | Incorrect form | Incorrect | ❌ Not used |
Key Point
- Use than for comparison or exclusion
- Use then for time or sequence
Grammar Rule Depth
Than
Than is used for comparison or exclusion.
Examples
She is taller than her sister.
I prefer tea other than coffee.
Then
Then is used for time, sequence, or result.
Examples
Finish your work, then go home.
Back then, life was simpler.
Why “Other Then” Is Wrong
The phrase other than requires a comparison word. Since then relates to time, it cannot replace than in this phrase.
Verb and Phrase Structure
The phrase other than is often used with:
- Nouns
- Pronouns
- Gerunds
Examples
Other than him, no one agreed.
Other than working, he has no hobbies.
Other than this issue, the project is perfect.
Origin of Than and Then
Understanding origin helps avoid confusion.
Than
Comes from Old English þanne, used for comparison.
Then
Comes from Old English þænne, meaning time or sequence.
Over time, both words developed distinct meanings but retained similar spellings, causing confusion.
Why People Confuse Other Than and Other Then
1. Similar Spelling
Than and then differ by only one letter.
2. Same Pronunciation
In fast speech, both sound very similar.
3. Lack of Grammar Awareness
Many learners do not fully understand comparison vs time usage.
4. Typing Errors
People often type quickly and select the wrong word.
Real World Usage of Other Than
In Daily Conversation
I don’t eat anything other than homemade food.
Other than that, I have no complaints.
In Work Emails
Other than the deadline, everything looks good.
We have no issues other than the budget.
In Academic Writing
Other than this limitation, the study is reliable.
In Professional Communication
Other than minor errors, the report is accurate.
Other Than in Different Contexts
Exclusion
Everyone came other than John.
Addition
Other than English, she speaks French.
Exception
Other than this mistake, your work is excellent.
Other Than vs Then in Everyday Examples
Emails
Correct
Other than this update, the project is complete.
Incorrect
Other then this update, the project is complete.
News
Correct
Other than minor injuries, no one was harmed.
Social Media
Correct
Other than that, the trip was amazing.
Formal Writing
Correct
Other than the introduction, the paper is well structured.
Common Mistakes with Other Than vs Other Then
Mistake 1 Using Then Instead of Than
Incorrect
Other then this, everything is fine.
Correct
Other than this, everything is fine.
Mistake 2 Misunderstanding Meaning
Incorrect
Other than used for time
Correct
Then is used for time
Mistake 3 Mixing Both Words
Incorrect
Other then that, I will go then home.
Correct
Other than that, I will go home then.
Related Words and Similar Expressions
Words Related to Than
rather than
more than
less than
Words Related to Then
and then
back then
since then
Advanced Usage of Other Than
With Gerunds
Other than working, he enjoys reading.
With Pronouns
Other than me, everyone agreed.
With Clauses
Other than what you said, everything is correct.
Tips to Remember Other Than vs Other Then
Simple Trick
- Than = Comparison
- Then = Time
Memory Tip
Think:
“Other than = exception”
Usage Trends
Modern English strongly favors other than, and it appears in:
- Academic writing
- Business communication
- Online content
- Professional reports
The phrase other then is considered incorrect and appears mainly in informal writing mistakes.
Exercise 1 Choose the Correct Phrase
Fill in the blanks with other than or other then
I have no hobbies ______ reading.
Answer: other than
Everyone agreed ______ him.
Answer: other than
Other ______ that, everything is fine.
Answer: other than
Exercise 2 Correct the Sentence
Rewrite correctly
Other then this issue, the system works well.
Answer: Other than this issue, the system works well.
I don’t eat anything other then vegetables.
Answer: I don’t eat anything other than vegetables.
FAQs
What is the difference between other than and other then?
Other than is correct and means except or apart from. Other then is incorrect because then refers to time, not comparison.
Is other then ever correct?
No, other then is not correct in standard English.
When should I use other than?
Use other than when excluding something or making an exception.
Why do people confuse than and then?
Because they look similar and sound alike, but their meanings are different.
Can other than be used in formal writing?
Yes, it is commonly used in academic and professional writing.
What does than mean?
Than is used for comparison or exclusion.
What does then mean?
Then is used for time, sequence, or result.
Conclusion
Understanding other than vs other then is important for clear and correct English writing. The correct phrase is always other than, which is used to show exception, exclusion, or comparison. The form other then is incorrect because it misuses the word then, which relates only to time or sequence.
This confusion is common because both words sound similar and differ by only one letter. However, remembering the simple rule that than is for comparison and then is for time can quickly solve the problem.
Using the correct phrase improves clarity, professionalism, and readability in emails, academic work, and everyday communication. With regular practice and awareness, you can easily avoid this mistake and write with confidence.
James Anderson is a blogger at EchoWordss.com, dedicated to making vocabulary and synonyms simple and accessible. His insights help readers strengthen their language and communicate more effectively.
