"than" and "then"

[aspirinmatt]

I do know the difference and how to use these two words, but I've seen some people using "then" instead of "than" recently, so i'm confused. For example: he is better then me. I don't know if it's just a typo,or there is another meaning using then instead of than. Thanks!

 

[SoothingDave]

It's a mistake. Either the writer made a typo or is ignorant of the correct word to use.

 

[emsr2d2]

It is, sadly, not an uncommon error these days. I have seen both versions of the mistake:

He is better then me.
I went to the park and than I went swimming. Than I took my sister to the cinema. (Actual English homework by a colleague's son.)

The first error ("then" instead of "than") is more common.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I think that this problem is primarily one of pronunciation. When people talk fast, these two words can sound a lot alike. Then, the spelling gets confused.

 

[Raymott]

The first error ("than" instead of "then") is more common.

Did you mean that using "then" instead of "than" is more common (given that that was the first error mentioned? If so, I agree.

 

[emsr2d2]

I did indeed. Thanks, duly edited.

 

[Tdol]

I think that this problem is primarily one of pronunciation.

Like [strike]would of done[/strike] instead of would have done.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Exactly!