Thanclause

Than-clause is a clause introduced by the conjunction than, used to express a comparison in English. It compares the degree, quantity, or quality described in the main clause with that described in the than-clause. Than-clauses can contain a finite verb or be non-finite, and they may compare adjectives, adverbs, verbs, or nouns.

Finite than-clauses contain a subject and a finite verb: for example, “She is taller than I am.” or “They finished later than we did.” In these cases, the clause after than has its own subject and verb and is usually aligned in tense with the context of the main clause.

Non-finite than-clauses include infinitival and gerund clauses: for example, “It’s better to stay home than to go out.” or “He is more careful than doing nothing.” Gerund forms such as “than doing nothing” are also common, as are infinitival forms like “than to leave.”

Noun phrases can also appear after than, forming a comparison without a full clause, as in “longer than five miles.” In such cases the than-phrase functions as a comparative phrase rather than a clause.

Usage notes: There is some variation in formality regarding the pronoun after than. In formal style, many guide books favor the subject form (than I am / than I did), while in ordinary speech and writing, than me is widely used. The pronoun choice can affect perceived appropriateness in formal writing.

Origin and overview: Than is a longstanding part of English grammar, historically linked to forms from Old English and used to mark comparative relationships across a range of syntactic patterns.