Commonly misused/misspelled words and phrases (Part 28)

Here are some more words I see frequently misused:

Gambit vs. gamut

Wrong: The colors in a rainbow run the gambit from red through violet.
Right: The colors in a rainbow run the gamut from red through violet.

A gambit is a tactical maneuver or ploy to gain an advantage. Gamut refers to the entire range or scope of something.

Then vs. than

Wrong: It’s colder today then yesterday.
Right: It’s colder today than yesterday.

Use then when referring to aspects of time (now and then; do this, then do that). Use than for comparisons (“It’s more brown than green.”).

There are plenty of other misused words to go. More next time.

Mark.