And you wonder why I'm having problems with English?

[kendor]

I know better now then before I asked the question

Than not then

 

[JohnD]

Than you only confused me with the type of comparision you used (today versus yesterday) I know better now then before I asked the question

You're pulling my leg, right?

 

[kendor]

You're pulling my leg, right?

shouldn't that be "You're pulling my right leg? only joking!

 

[WoodYouLike]

Oeps. forgot to read the second bit:

then is (usually) an adverb indicating time or consequence

Consequense is also then, I won't say by Jove again then.

 

[hermes]

[

Than you only confused me with the type of comparision you used (today versus yesterday) I know better now then before I asked the question

Wrong way round. Than is used as a comparison between two objects, items or abstracts, including time periods, eg. taller than him, faster than her, taller than before, faster than yesterday.

 

[JohnD]

Now then, WYL, explain the derivation of leg-pulling.

 

[WoodYouLike]

Cheers everyone, I think I've got it now (finally)

Same confusion is in Dutch and frequently used the wrong way around:
dan versus als (than versus as)
Groter dan (taller than)
Even groot als (as tall as)

Most say I'm taller as him

 

[WoodYouLike]

Now then, WYL, explain the derivation of leg-pulling.

See here

 

[kendor]

Chhers everyone, I think I've got it now (finally)

Same confusion is in Dutch adn frequently used the wrong way around:
dan versus als (than versus as)
Groter dan (talle than)
Even groot als (as tall as)

Most say I'm taller as him

the trouble with translation is that it can end up wrong gramatically speaking

 

[JohnD]

No, no, no!

That must be an American verb "To derivate"

In English, we say "To derive"

And what do you know about leg-pulling?

 

[WoodYouLike]

the trouble with translation is that it can end up wrong gramatically speaking

don't I know that, not just with words, but also with how sentenses are constructed. But I'm learning every day

 

[WoodYouLike]

And what do you know about leg-pulling?

since I'm wearing the trousers around here, a lot (aks hubby)

 

[swelec]

Serious question now:
who can (simple but effective) explain to me when I have use 'then' and when 'than'?
It sounds the same and I do know then is somehow time-related, but I still can't get the hang of it.

(same with to or too and of or off)

To = I am going to the shops

Too ( same as also ) = She is going to the shops too

 

[WoodYouLike]

To = I am going to the shops

Too ( same as also ) = She is going to the shops too

Then we have too many people going to the shops

But while you're at it, difference between of and off, please ?

 

[kendor]

To = I am going to the shops

Too ( same as also ) = She is going to the shops too

Then we have too many people going to the shops

But while you're at it, difference between of and off, please ?

"of the three lights, two are switched off"