I still remember the first time I wrote “I love you more then my life” in a message and my teacher corrected me. That one little letter changes everything!
If you’re a student, ESL learner, blogger, or professional writer, you probably search more then or more than because it’s confusing.
People ask about meaning, usage in sentences, welcome phrases, happiness, likelihood, symbols, and emphasis.
In this updated guide, I’ll explain everything clearly. By the end, you’ll confidently use more than in all situations, never confusing it with then again.
Quick Answer
- ✅ More than → correct for comparisons, quantity, emphasis
- I have more than five books.
- She is more than happy to help.
- He loves you more than anyone else.
- ❌ More then → incorrect in comparisons.
- Use then only when talking about time or sequence:
- Finish your homework, then you can play. ✅
Rule of Thumb: If you’re comparing, choose more than. If you’re referring to time or sequence, choose then.
The Origin of More Than and Then
Both words come from Old English:
- Than – used for comparisons and differences (more than, less than)
- Then – used for time, sequence, or consequence
Over time, people started confusing them, especially in informal writing. This guide ensures you use each word correctly and professionally.
British English vs American English Usage
| Word | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| more than | ✅ Common | ✅ Common |
| more then | ❌ Rare / Incorrect | ❌ Incorrect |
| then | ✅ Common (time/sequence) | ✅ Common |
Tip: This mistake occurs equally in UK and US English. There’s no regional spelling difference.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Ask yourself: Am I comparing or expressing sequence/time?
- Comparisons/quantities/emphasis → more than
- Time/sequence/consequence → then
Always remember: when in doubt, check if you can replace it with afterward or next. If yes, use then; otherwise, more than.
Common Mistakes with More Then or More Than
❌ I love you more then my life
✅ I love you more than my life
❌ He has more then enough money
✅ He has more than enough money
❌ She is more then happy
✅ She is more than happy
❌ It’s more then likely to rain
✅ It’s more than likely to rain
Tip: Remember, comparisons are always more than, not more then.
More Then or More Than Meaning
More Than – Meaning
- Expresses a greater quantity
- I have more than ten pencils.
- Shows exceeding expectations
- She is more than willing to help.
- Indicates likelihood or probability
- It’s more than likely to snow tomorrow.
Then – Meaning
- Expresses sequence in time
- Finish your homework, then go out.
- Shows cause and effect
- If it rains, then we’ll stay home.
More Then or More Than in Sentences
Here are examples covering common searches:
- Comparison/quantity:
- I have more than five apples.
- He is more than capable of finishing the project.
- Emphasis/expression:
- She is more than happy to help.
- We have more than enough resources.
- Likelihood/probability:
- It’s more than likely that he will arrive late.
- Sequence/time (using then correctly):
- We went to the store, then we visited the park.
More Then or More Than Welcome
- Correct: You are more than welcome to join us. ✅
- Incorrect: You are more then welcome. ❌
This is a common ESL mistake because people think “then” fits everywhere. It doesn’t — always use more than for courtesy expressions.
I Love You More Then or Than
- Correct: I love you more than words can say. ✅
- Incorrect: I love you more then words can say. ❌
Tip: Love, feelings, and comparisons always use more than.
More Then or More Than Likely
- Correct: It’s more than likely to rain today. ✅
- Incorrect: It’s more then likely to rain. ❌
Use more than for probability, never more then.
More Then or More Than Enough
- Correct: We have more than enough food for everyone. ✅
- Incorrect: We have more then enough food. ❌
This phrase is very common in everyday writing. Remember: comparison/exceeding = more than.
More Then or More Than Symbol
Sometimes people wonder about a symbol for more than:
- Symbol:
>(greater than) - Example: 5 > 3 → 5 is more than 3.
- Then has no numeric symbol — it represents sequence/time.
More Then or More Than Happy
- Correct: She is more than happy to help. ✅
- Incorrect: She is more then happy. ❌
Use more than happy to express willingness or positivity.
Comparison Table
| Phrase / Context | Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | more than | more then |
| Likelihood | more than | more then |
| Polite expression | more than welcome | more then welcome |
| Emphasis | more than happy | more then happy |
| Love/affection | more than | more then |
| Symbol / numeric | > (more than) | — |
FAQs
1. Is “more then” ever correct?
- Only if you are referring to time/sequence with then. Otherwise, use more than.
2. Can I write “I love you more then”?
- ❌ Incorrect. Always use more than for comparisons of love, feelings, or quantities.
3. What is the difference between “more than” and “then”?
- More than → comparison/exceeding
- Then → sequence/time
4. Is “more than enough” correct?
- ✅ Yes, it’s correct and very common in writing.
5. Can “more than” be replaced with a symbol?
- ✅ Use
>as a numeric representation (5 > 3 = 5 is more than 3).
6. How do I remember “more than” vs “more then”?
- Trick: If you can replace with “afterward/next”, use then; otherwise, more than.
Conclusion
The confusion between more then or more than is simple to fix.
- More than = comparison, quantity, emphasis, probability, courtesy
- Then = sequence, time, or consequence
Always ask yourself: Am I comparing or describing sequence? This one question will prevent the most common mistakes. Use these rules, examples, and tips, and your writing will be polished, professional, and error-free.
With this guide, you can confidently write more than happy, more than enough, more than likely, or comparisons in love, work, and everyday life.
Mignon Fogarty is a grammar-focused writer and language educator at Grammiffy, where she simplifies English rules for modern, digital learners.
With a clear and engaging style, she helps readers understand grammar, usage, and common mistakes through quick, easy-to-follow explanations.
