why is is "better late than never," rather than "better late then never?"

cuz if you never do it then you'll probably regret so if you do it, even if it's later, you won't regret it

I still don't get the than and then difference? :S

I don't think there is a difference really

okie dokie :) thanks!

Oh yes, there IS a difference.

than = a particle expressing "comparison"
(it's either this or that)

then = at that time

Sra

I sure hope "Anonymous" and "Lena" check back to discover their mistake!!

Pay attention to Sra; she's absolutely correct!

The phrase "better late than never" is a commonly used expression that suggests it is preferable to complete a task or accomplish something, even if it takes longer than expected. In terms of grammar, the word "late" functions as an adjective modifying the pronoun "it."

To understand why it is "better late than never" instead of "better late then never," let's break it down:

1. "Better" is the comparative form of the adjective "good."
2. "Late" is an adjective that describes when something happens after the expected or desired time.
3. "Than" is a conjunction used to compare two things.
4. "Never" is an adverb that means not at any time or not ever.

Therefore, the phrase can be interpreted as "it is better to complete or achieve something after the desired time than to never complete or achieve it at all."

The incorrect use of "then" might be a result of confusion with the word "than." However, "then" is an adverb that relates to time, sequence, or consequence. In this context, "than" is the appropriate conjunction to compare being late with not completing something at all.

In summary, the correct phrase "better late than never" suggests that it is more desirable to be delayed but eventually accomplish a task than never doing it at all.