Other Than That Or Other Then That

Navigating the nuances of English grammar can feel like traversing a linguistic minefield. Among the common pitfalls that trip up even seasoned writers are the phrases "other than that" and "other then that." While they may sound similar, only one is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning. This article will dissect the correct usage of "other than that," explore its various applications, and offer strategies for avoiding common errors. Understanding the subtle power of "other than that" will undoubtedly enhance your writing clarity and precision.

The Correct Form: Other Than That

"Other than that" is the established and accepted idiom. It serves as a transitional phrase, signaling a shift in focus while acknowledging previously mentioned information. Essentially, it means "apart from what has just been said" or "except for that." Its function is to introduce a qualification, exception, or contrasting point.

Grammatical Breakdown

The phrase consists of three key components:

Other: Indicates something different or additional.
Than: Used for comparison, introducing the element being contrasted.
That: Refers back to a previously mentioned subject, situation, or statement.

The combination creates a cohesive unit that seamlessly integrates into sentences, providing a smooth transition between ideas.

Examples in Context

To fully grasp the application of "other than that," consider these illustrative examples:

"The presentation was well-received. Other than that, the lighting was a bit dim." (Acknowledges a positive reception while introducing a minor flaw.)
"I enjoyed the vacation immensely. Other than that unfortunate incident with the jellyfish, it was perfect." (Highlights overall enjoyment but notes a specific negative event.)
"The software is functioning as expected. Other than that occasional glitch we've noticed, it's quite reliable." (Indicates satisfactory performance with the caveat of a recurring issue.)
"She's a brilliant student. Other than that tendency to procrastinate, she's destined for great things." (Recognizes academic talent while pointing out a specific weakness.)
"The car runs smoothly. Other than that squeaky brake, it's in excellent condition." (Affirms good performance while noting a minor mechanical issue.)

In each instance, "other than that" acts as a bridge, connecting a primary statement with a related but distinct observation.

The Incorrect Form: Other Then That

"Other then that" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. The word "then" indicates time or sequence, which is not the intended meaning in this context. Using "then" instead of "than" fundamentally alters the phrase's function, rendering it nonsensical.

Why "Then" is Wrong

The confusion often arises from the similar pronunciation of "than" and "then." However, their grammatical roles are distinct.

Than: Used for comparisons, showing the difference between two things.
Then: Indicates time, sequence, or consequence.

Substituting "then" for "than" creates a temporal relationship where one doesn't exist. "Other then that" implies that something happened at a later time, which is not the intended meaning when introducing an exception or qualification.

Examples of Incorrect Usage (and Corrections)

To illustrate the error and provide correct alternatives, consider these examples:

Incorrect: "The food was delicious. Other then that, the service was slow."
Correct: "The food was delicious. Other than that, the service was slow."
Alternative: "The food was delicious, but the service was slow."
Incorrect: "He's a great guy. Other then that he can be a bit stubborn."
Correct: "He's a great guy. Other than that, he can be a bit stubborn."
Alternative: "He's a great guy, except that he can be a bit stubborn."
Incorrect: "The movie was entertaining. Other then that it was too long."
Correct: "The movie was entertaining. Other than that, it was too long."
Alternative: "The movie was entertaining, however, it was too long."

In each case, replacing "then" with "than" restores the correct meaning and grammatical structure. The alternatives demonstrate that other conjunctions can also effectively convey the intended relationship between the clauses.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The primary mistake is, of course, using "then" instead of "than." However, other subtle errors can detract from the effectiveness of "other than that."

1. Misunderstanding the Meaning

Sometimes, writers use "other than that" when a different transitional phrase would be more appropriate. Ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the relationship between the clauses.

Example (Misuse): "The project is on schedule. Other than that, we need more resources." (This implies a contrasting point when the second sentence actually explains a need related to staying on schedule.)
Better: "The project is on schedule; however, we need more resources." (Indicates a potential obstacle.)
Even Better: "The project is on schedule, but we need more resources."

2. Overuse

Relying too heavily on "other than that" can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Instead of: "The report was informative. Other than that, it was poorly written. Other than that, it was too long. Other than that, it lacked clear conclusions."
Try: "The report was informative, but it was poorly written and excessively long. Moreover, it lacked clear conclusions."

3. Awkward Placement

Placing "other than that" in an awkward position within the sentence can disrupt the flow. Ensure it logically connects the clauses.

Awkward: "The presentation, other than that, was well-received despite the technical difficulties."
Better: "The presentation was well-received, other than that there were some technical difficulties."
Even Better: "The presentation was well-received despite the technical difficulties."

4. Using It Unnecessarily

Sometimes, "other than that" is simply redundant. Removing it can often streamline the sentence without sacrificing meaning.

Redundant: "The weather was perfect. Other than that, we had a great time."
Better: "The weather was perfect, so we had a great time."
Even Better: "We had a great time; the weather was perfect."

Strategies for Correct Usage

Mastering the correct use of "other than that" involves a combination of understanding, practice, and careful proofreading. Here are some helpful strategies:

Memorize the Correct Spelling: Reinforce the correct spelling ("than") in your mind to avoid accidental slips.
Understand the Meaning: Ensure you grasp the phrase's function as an indicator of exception or qualification.
Read Widely: Pay attention to how professional writers use "other than that" in various contexts.
Practice Regularly: Consciously incorporate the phrase into your writing to solidify your understanding.
Proofread Carefully: Always review your work to catch any instances of "other then that." Use grammar and spell checkers as aids, but don't rely on them exclusively.
Substitute When Appropriate: Be willing to use alternative transitional phrases to add variety to your writing.
Ask for Feedback: Have a trusted friend or colleague review your writing and point out any errors or awkward phrasing.

Alternative Phrases to "Other Than That"

While "other than that" is a useful phrase, it's important to have a repertoire of alternatives to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing. Here are some options:

Except for that: This is a direct synonym and can often be used interchangeably.
Apart from that: Similar to "except for that," this phrase highlights an exception.
Besides that: Indicates something additional or supplementary.
Aside from that: Another synonym for "except for that."
But: A simple conjunction that can effectively introduce a contrasting point.
However: A more formal alternative to "but."
Nevertheless: Conveys a sense of contrast despite a previous statement.
Nonetheless: Similar in meaning to "nevertheless."
Even so: Indicates that something is still true despite a previous statement.
Despite that: Highlights a contrasting point despite a previous condition.
In spite of that: Similar to "despite that."
With the exception of: A more formal way to introduce an exception.
Save for: A less common but still valid alternative.

The choice of alternative depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.

Examples of Alternative Phrases in Use

"The project was completed on time. Except for that, the budget was exceeded."
"The presentation was well-prepared. Apart from that, the speaker seemed nervous."
"The food was delicious. Besides that, the atmosphere was wonderful."
"The car is in good condition. Aside from that small dent, it's perfect."
"She's a talented artist, but she lacks confidence."
"The plan is sound; however, it needs further refinement."
"The task was challenging; nevertheless, we succeeded."
"The weather was terrible; nonetheless, we enjoyed the trip."
"He made a mistake; even so, he learned from it."
"The team faced adversity; despite that, they persevered."
"The odds were against them; in spite of that, they won."
"The museum is open daily, with the exception of Mondays."
"The entire collection was recovered, save for a few missing artifacts."

The Importance of Precision in Writing

The correct use of "other than that" exemplifies the broader importance of precision in writing. Clear and accurate communication is essential for conveying your intended message effectively. Errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation can detract from your credibility and confuse your audience.

Benefits of Clear Communication

Enhanced Understanding: Precise language ensures that your readers grasp your meaning without ambiguity.
Increased Credibility: Accurate writing demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, enhancing your reputation.
Improved Engagement: Clear and concise writing keeps readers engaged and prevents them from getting bogged down in confusion.
Effective Persuasion: Well-crafted arguments are more persuasive and convincing.
Reduced Misinterpretation: Precision minimizes the risk of misunderstandings and misinterpretations.

Strategies for Achieving Precision

Master Grammar Rules: Develop a solid understanding of grammar principles.
Expand Your Vocabulary: A rich vocabulary allows you to express yourself more accurately and effectively.
Practice Active Voice: Active voice generally leads to clearer and more direct sentences.
Avoid Jargon: Use technical terms sparingly and only when your audience will understand them.
Be Concise: Eliminate unnecessary words and phrases.
Use Specific Language: Replace vague terms with more precise alternatives.
Proofread Meticulously: Always review your work carefully to catch errors.
Seek Feedback: Ask others to read your writing and provide constructive criticism.

Conclusion

Mastering the distinction between "other than that" and "other then that" is a small but significant step towards improving your writing skills. By understanding the correct usage and avoiding common errors, you can communicate more clearly and effectively. Remember that "other than that" serves as a bridge, connecting ideas with a subtle nuance of exception or qualification. Embrace the alternatives, practice diligently, and always strive for precision in your writing. The effort will undoubtedly pay off in enhanced clarity, credibility, and overall communication effectiveness.