than
Joins comparative statements
Than communicates comparison, usually for the sake of evaluation or of expressing preference.
Than is required when used as a comparative: Minneapolis is colder than Chicago.
In constructions where preference is expressed, than precedes the dispreferred alternative.
I’d rather die than listen to him drone on.
When than follows other or else, it may have to do with expression of preference (as in Do you have anything other than fish?) but it can also be used to indicate that some difference exists: You won’t find better melons anywhere else than here; She’s not responsible for any cases other than these.
Somewhat, or by preference
- insteadAs a replacement
- overAbove or exceeding
- versusIn opposition to
- comparedExamined for similarities
relative · contrast · difference · preference · alternative · better · worse · more
rather
Somewhat, or by preference
compared · relative · contrast · difference · preference · alternative · better · worse · more · less
- more thanIn excess of
- less thanBelow in amount
- better late than neverDelay preferable to omission
- better than nothingPreferable to having none
- more than enoughQuantity exceeding necessity
- easier said than doneHarder in practice than speech