Even as a teacher, I saw how quickly people mix these ideas, and “Other Than or Other Then” shows how fast simple writing turns confusing.Many students asked why simple phrases cause trouble, and “Other Than or Other Then” shows how easily small changes in writing create big confusion.
When I explained these ideas in an article, I always highlighted the difference because understanding which phrase is grammatically correct changes everything. In class, I shared examples showing how other than is typically used, especially when writing quickly and choosing words under pressure. People often pause when mistakes go unnoticed, but the rule is simple and powerful—use other than for exceptions and comparisons, skip the typo, and avoid errors that slow your message down.
Over time, I learned to write with more confidence by slowing my process and diving into how these structures actually work. After mastering them, you naturally level up, and even seasoned writers who mess up spelling or pronunciations find clarity once they see how the meanings significantly vary. A careful guide can show the nuanced differences between other than vs other then, helping you learn what belongs in a sentence without worrying about grammar policemen pointing out every tiny error.
Why This Mix-Up Matters More Than You Think
Every reader notices when a phrase feels “off.” You may not always pinpoint the exact grammar rule that’s been violated, but your brain flags the error instantly. That’s why misusing other then instead of other than works against you.
This small mistake can:
- Hurt the professionalism of emails
- Make academic writing look rushed
- Confuse readers when you’re explaining exceptions
- Decrease trust in your content
When readers trust your writing, they follow your ideas more easily. That’s why accuracy here isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Quick Overview: The Correct Phrase Is “Other Than”
Here’s the fast answer:
✔ The correct phrase is “other than.”
✘ The phrase “other then” is grammatically incorrect.
People often mix them up because than and then sound similar. But the meanings couldn’t be more different.
- Than → comparison or exception
- Then → time or sequence
Since “other than” expresses exclusion or exception, than is the only word that works.
You’ll see exactly how this plays out in the next sections, with examples that make the rule impossible to forget.
Understanding “Other Than”: Meaning, Use, and Function
Definition of “Other Than”
Other than expresses:
- exclusion
- exception
- contrast
It works like a gate that filters out everything except the specific point you’re highlighting.
How “Other Than” Functions in Grammar
Depending on how you structure your sentence, “other than” can function as:
- a preposition (“Other than coffee, I don’t drink caffeine.”)
- a conjunction (“Other than he arrived late, the meeting went smoothly.”)
Both functions revolve around the idea of excluding something from a category or situation.
Examples of “Other Than” in Natural Sentences
Here are examples you encounter in everyday writing:
Everyday Use
- “She eats nothing other than home-cooked meals.”
- “I don’t know anything about him other than his name.”
Academic Use
- “The study revealed no significant changes other than seasonal variation.”
- “Other than slight deviations, the data remained consistent.”
Business Use
- “Other than one minor update, the proposal is complete.”
- “We have no concerns other than the delivery timeline.”
In every case, “other than” introduces something that stands apart from everything else.
Why “Other Then” Is Incorrect
Using other then is one of the most common mistakes online. But once you understand what then actually means, you’ll never mix them up again.
What “Then” Really Means
Then refers to:
- time
- sequence
- consequence
Example:
- “Finish your work, then take a break.”
- “We ate dinner, then watched a movie.”
Time-based. Order-based. Sequential.
That meaning has nothing to do with exclusion or exception, which is how “other than” works. That’s why the phrase other then simply doesn’t make sense in standard English.
Why “Other Then” Breaks the Sentence
Look at how confusing the incorrect form becomes:
❌ “I like all fruits other then bananas.”
This sentence accidentally implies a sequence, which doesn’t match the intended meaning.
Corrected version:
✔ “I like all fruits other than bananas.”
Suddenly the sentence flows and reflects the intended meaning: bananas are the exception, not the next step in a sequence.
Direct Comparison: “Other Than vs Other Then”
To make this easier to visualize, here’s a quick comparison table:
| Phrase | Meaning | Grammatical Function | Correct? | Example |
| Other Than | exception, exclusion, contrast | preposition or conjunction | ✔ Yes | “Everyone attended other than Mike.” |
| Other Then | implies time/sequence but is grammatically nonsensical in this structure | incorrect phrase | ✘ No | Not used in English |
When you see the contrast laid out, the choice becomes obvious.
Real-Life Examples: Correct vs Incorrect
Let’s make the differences stick with clear, real-world scenarios.
In Everyday Conversation
✔ Correct:
“You can bring anything to the party other than wine.”
❌ Incorrect:
“You can bring anything to the party other then wine.”
The incorrect version reads like you’re announcing a timeline instead of an exception.
In Academic Writing
✔ Correct:
“Other than minor fluctuations, the results remained consistent.”
❌ Incorrect:
“Other then minor fluctuations, the results remained consistent.”
Academic writing demands precision. This kind of mistake weakens credibility instantly.
In Professional Emails
✔ Correct:
“Other than that minor revision, the report is ready.”
❌ Incorrect:
“Other then that minor revision, the report is ready.”
A small error like this can make a high-value email look rushed or unpolished.
Common Writing Mistakes Related to “Other Than”
Here are the most frequent errors writers make:
- Using other then due to phonetic confusion
- Thinking than only belongs to comparisons
- Allowing autocorrect to switch than to then
- Writing quickly and following speech patterns instead of grammar rules
- Trying to use “then” after “other” because it “sounds” right
Once you know what each word means, these mistakes disappear.
“Other Than That” vs “Other Then That”: Which Is Right?
The correct phrase is:
✔ Other than that
This means “except for that” or “aside from that.”
Examples:
- “Other than that, everything looks perfect.”
- “Other than that issue, the system runs smoothly.”
The incorrect version…
❌ Other then that
…implies some sort of sequence, making the sentence awkward or nonsensical.
Example of incorrect usage:
- “Other then that, everything looks perfect.” (wrong)
Because “then” signals time, this version simply doesn’t work.
Quick Comparison Table for Fast Reference
Here’s a simple, instantly memorable table:
| Usage Type | Correct Form | Incorrect Form | Purpose |
| Exception | other than | other then | Excludes something |
| Clarifying details | other than that | other then that | Makes a contrast |
| Comparisons | than | then | Used for differences |
| Sequence/time | then | not used with ‘other’ | Shows steps or order |
Keep this table handy whenever you’re editing your writing.
Memory Tricks to Remember the Correct Usage
Mnemonic #1: “Than = Comparison / Exception”
Think of the A in than as standing for:
- Apart from
- All except
- Anything but
These all relate to exclusion or contrast—the purpose of “other than.”
Mnemonic #2: “Then = Time”
Think of then as:
- when
- next
- time
If the sentence isn’t showing order or time, then is the wrong choice.
Mnemonic #3: The Swap Test
Try replacing the word with “except.”
If the sentence still makes sense, than is correct.
Example:
“Other than coffee, I drink nothing.”
→ “Except coffee, I drink nothing.” ✔
Practical Tips for Avoiding Mistakes
Here are simple habits that make your writing stronger:
- Read sentences out loud. You’ll instantly hear when “other then” sounds wrong.
- Slow down during drafting. Most mistakes happen when typing fast.
- Double-check homophones. Than/then errors are some of the most common online.
- Use digital proofreading tools like Grammarly to catch common mix-ups.
- Check for the exception rule. If something is being excluded, “other than” is correct.
Practice Exercises (With Answers)
Fill in the blanks using “other than” or “other then.”
- I don’t need anything ________ your signature.
- ________ that minor issue, everything is good to go.
- She likes every dessert ________ cheesecake.
- He started the meeting and ________ introduced the team.
- No one showed up ________ the interns.
Answers
- other than
- other than
- other than
- then
- other than
Notice how #4 is the only sentence that uses then, and it has nothing to do with “other.”
Read More: Drier vs Dryer: What’s the Real Difference?
Case Study: How One Company Improved Internal Communication with One Grammar Fix
A mid-size tech company noticed that their internal emails included repeated grammar mistakes. One of the most common was using other then instead of other than. While it seemed insignificant, the leadership team found that this tiny error created misinterpretations and forced readers to re-read important memos.
After a brief internal training session emphasizing the correct use of other than, clarity across documents improved. Employees reported:
- faster reading
- fewer clarification requests
- more confidence writing reports
- stronger communication across teams
A single two-word correction made the difference.
FAQs:
Can “Other Then” Ever Be Correct?
No.
There is no scenario in standard English grammar where “other then” is considered correct.
Is “Other Than” Formal or Informal?
It works perfectly in any context—emails, academic writing, creative work, legal documents, and casual conversations.
Does “Other Than” Always Imply Exclusion?
Yes.
Its main purpose is to highlight an exception or contrast.
Why Do People Mix Up “Other Then vs Other Than”?
Mostly because than and then sound similar when spoken quickly. Many people learn English by ear instead of grammar structure, which makes this mistake common.
Are There Dialects That Use “Other Then”?
No standard dialects use “other then.”
If you see it online, it’s simply an error.
Conclusion:
Understanding the difference between other than and other then becomes much easier once you slow down and notice how each one functions in real writing. After working with so many students, I’ve seen how a tiny shift in wording changes the entire meaning of a sentence. When you start recognizing the patterns, the confusion fades, and your writing becomes clearer without feeling forced or overly technical.
The more you practice choosing the correct phrase, the more natural it becomes. Soon you’ll reach a point where the right option appears automatically, helping you write with confidence and precision. Whether you’re aiming for polished academic work or simple everyday communication, mastering this distinction gives you a smoother, stronger command of English.
Daniel Walker is a passionate wordsmith who loves making grammar simple and fun. He helps readers write clearly, confidently, and correctly every day.
