than

• “than”是连词兼介词，用于引出比较的第二部分，表示某人或某物在程度上比另一人或另一物更强、更弱或不同；也用于“rather than”“other than”等结构。

Than is a subordinating conjunction (and also a preposition) primarily used to introduce the second part of a comparison. It shows that one thing or person has more, less, or a different degree of a quality than another. It is essential for forming comparative structures in English.

1. Comparison of DegreeA2formal

   Used after comparative adjectives or adverbs (bigger, faster, more interesting, less, etc.) to introduce the second element being compared. It links two things or situations to show which one has a greater or lesser degree of a certain quality.

   程度比较

   • This book is more interesting than the previous one.
   • She runs faster than her brother.
   • My house is smaller than yours.
   • He is taller than I expected.
   • The film was better than we thought it would be.

2. With "rather" and preferenceB1formal

   Used in the structure "would rather ... than" or "prefer ... to" (though "to" is more common with prefer) to express a choice between two options, showing that one is preferred over the other.

   用于“rather”和表达偏好时

   • I would rather stay home than go to the party.
   • She prefers reading than watching TV.
   • He would rather walk than take the bus.
   • They chose to fight than to surrender.
   • I'd rather die than apologize to him.

3. Other comparative structuresB2formal

   Used in various idiomatic or fixed comparative expressions such as "no sooner ... than", "hardly ... than", "less ... than", "more ... than" (when used for degree or quantity), and to introduce the second part after words like "different", "other", etc.

   其他比较结构

   • No sooner had I arrived than the meeting started.
   • Hardly had she finished speaking than the phone rang.
   • This task is less difficult than I thought.
   • The journey took more time than we expected.
   • Her dress is quite different than what I imagined.