The correct phrase is more than. More then is almost always a mistake.
Many people confuse these two because than and then look and sound similar. However, they have different meanings and are not interchangeable.
In this article, you’ll learn the difference between more than and more then, when to use each one, common mistakes to avoid, and an easy trick to remember the correct form.
Quick Answer
More than is the correct phrase when comparing things or talking about an amount, number, or degree.
More then is usually incorrect because then refers to time or what happens next, not comparisons.
Examples:
- ✅ I have more than 20 books.
- ✅ She is more than happy to help.
- ❌ I have more then 20 books.
More Then vs More Than: Main Difference
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Correct? | Best Used For | Example |
| More than | Greater in amount, number, or degree | ✅ Yes | Comparisons and quantities | I earned more than $100. |
| More then | Usually an error; “then” means after that or at that time | ❌ No (in this phrase) | Not used for comparisons | ❌ She has more then five cats. |
What Does More Then Mean?
More then is not a correct phrase when comparing amounts or numbers.
People often type then instead of than because the words look alike and are pronounced similarly in fast speech.
Incorrect examples:
- ❌ We need more then three volunteers.
- ❌ She is more then capable.
- ❌ It costs more then I expected.
- ❌ There were more then 100 guests.
- ❌ He knows more then his brother.
In all of these examples, than should replace then.
What Does More Than Mean?
More than means greater than, over, or in excess of. It is used to compare numbers, amounts, qualities, or ideas.
Examples:
- I have more than ten friends.
- The meeting lasted more than two hours.
- She is more than ready for the exam.
- This bag weighs more than five kilograms.
- They sold more than 1,000 tickets.
How to Use More Than
Use more than whenever you compare one thing with another or describe an amount that is greater than something else.
Use more than for:
- Numbers
- Amounts
- Quantities
- Comparisons
- Degrees of feeling or ability
Correct examples:
- ✅ I spent more than $50.
- ✅ This road is more than 10 miles long.
- ✅ He works more than anyone else.
- ✅ She is more than qualified.
Avoid using more then.
Incorrect:
- ❌ We need more then five chairs.
Correct:
- ✅ We need more than five chairs.
Where to Use More Than
More than is correct in almost every type of communication.
School Writing
Use more than in essays, assignments, and reports.
Example:
- The library has more than 5,000 books.
Formal Writing
Always use more than in business documents and official writing.
Example:
- The project required more than six months.
Emails
Use more than in professional and personal emails.
Example:
- We received more than 200 responses.
Everyday Conversation
People naturally say more than when comparing things.
Example:
- I like tea more than coffee.
Messages
The same rule applies in texts and chats.
Example:
- I’ll be there in more than an hour.
Professional Communication
Always use more than in workplace communication.
Example:
- The team completed more than expected.
Regional Usage
American English: Uses more than.
British English: Uses more than.
Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Pakistan: Also use more than.
There is no regional difference. More than is correct everywhere English is used.
Why People Get Confused
People confuse than and then because:
- They have similar spellings.
- They sound alike in everyday speech.
- Typing quickly can lead to accidental mistakes.
- Spell-check may not catch the error because then is also a real word.
Remember:
- Than = comparison.
- Then = time or sequence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong:
I have more then enough money.
Correct:
I have more than enough money.
Explanation: Use than for comparisons.
Wrong:
There are more then 50 students.
Correct:
There are more than 50 students.
Explanation: Use than when talking about numbers.
Wrong:
She knows more then I do.
Correct:
She knows more than I do.
Explanation: This is a comparison.
Wrong:
The trip took more then three hours.
Correct:
The trip took more than three hours.
Explanation: Use than for amounts of time.
Wrong:
He is more then ready.
Correct:
He is more than ready.
Explanation: The phrase means “completely” or “very,” so than is correct.
Real Life Examples
Meeting
The meeting lasted more than an hour.
School
Our class has more than 30 students.
Travel
The flight was delayed by more than two hours.
Work
We completed more than expected this month.
Message
I’ll need more than ten minutes.
Conversation
I enjoy reading more than watching TV.
Order or Booking
We booked more than five rooms for the event.
Social Situation
There were more than 100 people at the party.
Easy Trick to Remember
Think of this simple rule:
- Than = Compare
- Then = Time
If you’re comparing numbers, amounts, or people, always choose than.
Mini Quiz
1. Which is correct?
- A. More then
- B. More than
Answer: B. More than
2. Fill in the blank:
There were 50 guests.
Answer: more than
3. Which word is used for comparisons?
Answer: Than
4. Which word relates to time?
Answer: Then
5. Is this sentence correct?
“I need more then five minutes.”
Answer: No. It should be more than five minutes.
6. Complete the sentence:
She is capable of doing the job.
Answer: more than
Related Confusing Words
- canceled or cancelled
- gray or grey
- your or you’re
- its or it’s
- affect or effect
- there or their
- who or whom
- farther or further
FAQs About More Then or More Than
Is more then correct?
No. It is almost always a mistake. Use more than instead.
Is more than correct?
Yes. It is the correct phrase for comparisons and amounts.
What is the difference between more then and more than?
More than compares amounts or quantities. Then refers to time or what happens next, so more then is incorrect.
Which one should I use?
Use more than whenever you compare numbers, amounts, qualities, or people.
Is more than formal or informal?
It is correct in both formal and informal English.
Conclusion
More than is the correct phrase for comparisons, quantities, and amounts. More then is almost always a spelling mistake because then relates to time, not comparison. Whenever you compare something or talk about a greater amount, choose more than. Remember: than compares, then tells time.
Nicholas Turner is a dedicated writer who enjoys creating clear, engaging and well-researched content for readers around the world. He has a passion for exploring language, culture and everyday topics that spark curiosity. Nicholas is also the fictional author of The Silent Ember Road and Where Morning Echoes Rest, two original story concepts created exclusively for his author profile. Outside of writing, he enjoys traveling, reading, and discovering new perspectives. His goal is to make every article informative, approachable, and genuinely useful.
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