Barely-Than-Barely-When | Commonly Confused Words

Barely than

/ˈbɛr.li ðæn/

A phrase used in English to indicate a very small degree of difference or a minimal comparison between two subjects.

He barely than finished before the timer beeped.She barely than greeted him as she walked out.The soup was barely than lukewarm when served.

This word has no antonyms

/ˈbɛər.li wɛn/

Used to indicate that something happened only just or was unlikely.

Barely when the storm subsided, we ventured outside.Barely when the game started, she scored a goal.Barely when I sat down, the phone rang again.

This word has no antonyms

Barely than often creeps in as a mistaken form because people confuse it with rather than.
Remember, barely is used to describe something that happens minimally, whereas than is used for comparisons.
Use barely to indicate something that almost didn't happen.
Than is not needed after barely when you are not making a comparison.
If your sentence doesnt call for a comparison, consider if then or when' is more accurate.