Castlevania Dungeon Forums

Off Topic => Off Topic => Topic started by: Pfil on September 10, 2013, 03:47:26 PM

Title: Which one is the correct word?
Post by: Pfil on September 10, 2013, 03:47:26 PM

I see a lot of people here uses the word "then" when it should be "than".
Isn't "then" used as in "after" or when reminiscing the past?
And "than" used for comparing?
Or am I the one who is mistaken?
I am asking because english is not my native language and maybe I'm wrong.

Title: Re: Which one is the correct word?
Post by: Ratty on September 10, 2013, 04:27:39 PM

You're right, when writing the correct way for comparisons is "than". While "then" means that something is before or after something else. ( http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/then (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/then) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/than (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/than) ) but in everyday usage you'll sometimes hear "then" used in place of "than" because of regional accents or because it's slightly faster to say. So I'd say people here are just unconsciously following that convention.

Title: Re: Which one is the correct word?
Post by: Lelygax on September 10, 2013, 04:28:25 PM

Yes, you are correct, its something like "Sypha boobs are larger than Maria boobs, then Maria was upset".

Title: Re: Which one is the correct word?
Post by: Abnormal Freak on September 10, 2013, 04:37:13 PM

On Facebook and YouTube, you'll see a lot of Grammar Nazis correcting people on their misuse or lack of use of the word "than." A lot of native English speakers don't get it right for some reason.

But when pronouncing it, unless I really feel like stressing the word, it usually comes out sounding like "then."

Title: Re: Which one is the correct word?
Post by: Pfil on September 11, 2013, 01:13:40 PM

I see, thanks!
I've seen it here only because I spent most of my online time here, I didn't mean like it was a mistake exclusive from here.