In comparative sentences, “than” is used to establish a contrast or difference between two things or individuals being compared. It is a conjunction that is specifically used to indicate the superiority or inferiority of one thing over another. Here’s how “than” works uniquely in comparative sentences:

1. Establishing Comparison: “Than” is used to introduce the second element in a comparison. For example, “She is taller than him.” Here, “than” introduces the comparison between the height of the two individuals.

2. Indicating Inequality: “Than” indicates that one thing has a greater or lesser degree of a particular quality than another. For instance, “The new computer is faster than the old one.” This shows the comparison of speed between the two computers.

3. Avoiding Ambiguity: Using “than” helps clarify the relationship between the two elements being compared, making the comparison explicit and avoiding misunderstandings.

Common pitfalls in using “than” for comparisons include:

1. Incorrect Comparisons: Sometimes, people may compare two things that are not truly comparable. For example, “She sings better than yesterday.” This comparison lacks a clear reference point and can be confusing.

2. Missing Elements: It’s essential to include all necessary elements in the comparison to ensure clarity. For instance, “He runs faster than” leaves the comparison incomplete and unclear.

To avoid pitfalls when using “than” for comparisons, always ensure that:

– Both elements being compared