How can you tell Then vs. Than apart? What is the actual difference??
One thing is for sure, they share many of the same features and it may be difficult to distinguish one from the other. So, how can you tell them apart? If we look at identical twins, even they have unique characteristics in their physical appearance and personality. A lot of people make errors with the identical pair... then/than. If you get to know them better, you don't have to be one of those people who can't tell them apart. = )
When to use then
Then often functions as an adverb.
Dictionaries define then in lots of different ways: in that case, at the same time, at that time, next in order of place or time, soon afterward, in addition, or as a consequence.
Standing next to Dee is Jenny, then my roommate Jihye, then me.
Francisco told me, “If we are having fun together, then you should take lots of photographs.”
There were no digital cameras back then!
Sometimes, then is an adjective or a noun.
As an adjective, it means “being such, existing, or being at the time indicated.”
As a noun, it means “that time.”
My then-roommate Tom moved out and I've not seen him since then.
Then appears in some idioms too.
One means “on the other hand”:
John is funny, but then I laugh at everything.
Another idiom means “at that exact time and place, or at once”:
Lee asked me if I wanted to take a road trip, and I went home to pack my suitcase right then and there.
When to use than
Than is a conjunction used to introduce the second part of an unequal comparison. It also introduces the rejected choice in expressions of preference. Finally, than can mean “except” or “when.”
Sue is shorter than Anna.
She would rather not go than wear high heels.
Than can also function as a preposition.
As a preposition, than means “in relation to” or “by comparison with.” Here’s a (technically correct) construction of a sentence you may not have seen before:
Amy is a friend than whom there is none more caring.
Than appears in a lot of idioms.
Many of them, such as “more fun than a barrel of monkeys” or “more dead than alive,” feature comparisons.
You’ve probably heard some of the most popular ones.
1."easier said than done.”
“better late than never”
In conclusion... we know that they are spelled alike, except for the e in then and the a in than. However, telling them apart is not impossible! They have different characteristics, but how you define than is definitely not the same as how you define then! They have different “personalities” in that they function as different parts of speech.
Do you feel that you know them better now? = )
What is the difference between worse and worst and when to use them?
Worse - comparative
Worst - superlative
Worse:
Used as a comparative adjective or adverb.
This word is used to compare two or more items and choose which one is not the best option.
It can also be used to describe something that you disagree with instead of something else.
Example 1:
Fruit vs Candy
Which form of sugar is bad for the body, fruit or candy? Well, it's a known fact that the sugar in candy is worse than the sugar in fruit.
Example 2:
Which outfit should I wear on my date tonight, Lilly? Hmmm, well I think the blue is boring but the orange dress is worse so I would definitely choose the pink outfit. The pink is the best you'll look great!
Worst:
This word is also used as an adjective or adverb in the superlative context.
This means the extreme of bad, terrible, or horrible.
That something is as bad as it can get - there is nothing that can get worse.
Example 1:
Ants vs Cockroaches
In my opinion, cockroaches are the worst insect to have in your home!
Example 2:
Don't steal the jewelry or money! You will get into big trouble, or worse even go to jail. Jail is the worst thing that can happen to you!