than when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "than when" is correct and usable in written English.
This is a comparative phrase that is used to compare two points in time. Example: I have more knowledge about the subject now than when I first started studying it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Than when?

Huffington Post

Than when underage female characters don't appear?

Huffington Post

Than when the TV is off?

Huffington Post

"It's better than when Simon had it".

The New York Times

"It's quite different than when I ran.

The New York Times

It's looser now than when she arrived.

The New Yorker

"Way sadder than when the Beatles broke up.

The New Yorker

Woods never seems happier than when he is competing.

The New York Times - Sports

It probably feels better than when he was elected governor.

The Economist

Less than when I left Shearman Sterling in 1985.

The New York Times

I emerged calmer and healthier than when I arrived.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "than when" to clearly compare a situation or state at two different points in time. Ensure the comparison is logical and adds meaningful context.

Common error

Avoid using inconsistent tenses after "than when". Make sure the verb tenses in both clauses accurately reflect the timing of the events being compared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "than when" serves as a comparative conjunction, linking two clauses to establish a temporal comparison. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contrasting conditions or states at different times.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "than when" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative conjunction that links clauses to establish temporal comparisons. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts. Primarily found in "News & Media" and "Science", it serves to highlight differences or changes between distinct points in time. When writing, make sure the comparison is clear, and verb tenses are consistent. Alternatives such as "compared to when" and "as opposed to when" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compared to when

Emphasizes a direct comparison between two specific points in time or situations.

as opposed to when

Highlights a contrast between two distinct time frames or circumstances.

in contrast to when

Similar to "as opposed to when", stressing the differences between two periods.

relative to when

Indicates that a situation is being assessed in relation to a particular time.

in comparison with when

Formal alternative, explicitly stating a comparison involving time.

as compared with when

Similar to "in comparison with when", providing a formal comparison.

rather than when

Suggests a preference or alternative to a specific time or situation.

instead of when

Replaces a particular time or circumstance with another.

unlike when

Points out a dissimilarity in time or circumstance.

different from when

Highlights a distinction in a time-related scenario.

FAQs

How do I properly use "than when" in a sentence?

Use "than when" to compare two different time periods or situations. For example, "I was more nervous giving presentations in person "than when" presenting online".

What's a good alternative to using "than when"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "than when" include phrases like "compared to when", "as opposed to when", or "in contrast to when".

Is it ever incorrect to use "than when"?

While grammatically correct, using "than when" might sound awkward in certain contexts. Ensure the comparison is clear and the sentence flows naturally. If not, consider rephrasing with a simpler comparison.

Can "than when" be used to compare anything other than time?

While primarily used for comparing points in time, "than when" can also compare situations that occur at those different times. The key is the comparison relates to different temporal circumstances.