There is a mistake among writers on the internet that I see all too often. When I come across the error, I stop reading, re-read the sentence, look for the author's name and credentials, go back to what I've been reading and often don't finish the article. This one little mistake has taken away enough credibility (in my eyes), that I no longer want to hear what the writer has to say. I'm not saying I never finish reading, I'm saying that sometimes I don't.
Here's an example of the mistake that I found online today, let's see if you spot it before I point it out to you:
They then begin counting hours—where prior they probably worked more then 40 hours and never gave it a thought—you can now plan on no extra discretionary effort.
I don't know how this sentence made it past their grammar check. When I copied it onto my Word document, a squiggly lavender line appeared under the error on my page. The word "then" before the number 40 is the error. The sentence should read "more than 40 hours…"
The rule is really quite simple. When doing a comparison of one against another use the conjunction, "than." When using any measure of time, use the adverb "then."
- The new Star Trek looks better than the old Star Trek.
- In the original TV show, the future back then is funny compared to the special effects of today.
- Even the later TV show has less to offer than the new movie.
- His nap was longer than hers.
- He slept, then he woke up, and went back to sleep.
Which is correct, than I or than me?
Now, if you're wondering which pronouns to use after the word than, you're not alone. Many of us have to stop and think this one through. Even though this isn't part of the exact same grammatical issue, I'll go over this quickly, the solution is easier than it seems. Take I and me as examples, depending on the meaning of the sentence, either one can be correct.
- Jason loves swimming more than I, means he loves to swim more than I do.
- Jason loves swimming more than me, means he loves to swim more than he loves me.
See? Easier than pie! Now then, go forth and get it right!
