PREP (用于形容词、副词的比较级之后,连接比较对象)比 You use than after a comparative adjective or adverb in order to link two parts of a comparison.
The radio only weighs a few ounces and is smaller than a cigarette packet... 这台收音机重量仅为几盎司,比香烟盒还小。
Indian skins age far more slowly than American or Italian ones. 印度人的皮肤比美国人或意大利人的皮肤衰老得慢得多。
Than is also a conjunction.
He wished he could have helped her more than he did... 他真希望当初能给予她更多的帮助。
Sometimes patients are more depressed six months later than when they first hear the bad news. 有时,病人 6 个月后比最初听到坏消息时情绪更低落。
PREP (数目、数量、价值等)比…(多、少、重要或次要等) You use than when you are stating a number, quantity, or value approximately by saying that it is above or below another number, quantity, or value.
They talked on the phone for more than an hour. 他们在电话里谈了一个多小时。
...the three-match Test series in England, starting in less than two months time... 再过不到两个月就要在英格兰开始的三场制国际板球对抗赛
Head teachers yesterday demanded a nine per cent rise, more than twice the rate of inflation. 校长们昨天要求增加 9% 的工资,这个比例是通货膨胀率的两倍多。
CONJ-COORD 与其说,而不是(连接对比的对象,以表示优先考虑等) You use than in order to link two parts of a contrast, for example in order to state a preference.
The arrangement was more a formality than a genuine partnership of two nations... 这一协定与其说体现了两个国家之间真正的伙伴关系,还不如说是一种形式。
I would rather stare at a clear, star-filled sky than a TV set... 我宁可凝视繁星满天的晴朗夜空也不愿盯着电视机。
I would sooner give up sleep than miss my evening class. 我宁肯不睡觉也不愿错过夜校的课。