a completely different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a completely different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is entirely unlike something else. Example: "After the renovation, the office looked like a completely different space."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A completely different tour".

The Guardian - Music

With a completely different flavor.

The New Yorker

"It's a completely different culture".

The New York Times

It's a completely different life".

The New York Times

It's a completely different medium".

Independent

"That's a completely different thing".

The New York Times

It's a completely different list.

Yale University

It's a completely different team.

The Guardian - Sport

That's a completely different experience".

The New Yorker

It's a completely different situation".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a completely different animal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a completely different" to clearly distinguish between two or more things, emphasizing that they share very few or no similarities. Ensure the context makes it clear what is being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "a completely different" when a simple "different" will suffice. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing. Ask yourself if the 'completely' adds significant value or if it's redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a completely different" functions as an adjectival modifier, emphasizing the degree of difference between two entities. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a completely different" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a notable divergence between two things. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct. It appears frequently in news and media, and is also present in academic writing. To ensure effective use, remember to use it when there is a significant difference. Alternative phrases such as "an entirely different" or "a radically different" can be used depending on the level of emphasis needed. Therefore, when employed judiciously, "a completely different" can be a valuable tool to make your writing more precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an entirely different

Emphasizes the totality of the difference, similar to 'completely'.

a totally different

Uses 'totally' as a synonym for 'completely', indicating a full divergence.

an altogether different

Similar to 'entirely', stressing the thoroughness of the difference.

a radically different

Highlights that the difference is fundamental and significant.

a markedly different

Suggests the difference is easily noticeable and significant.

a substantially different

Indicates a considerable degree of difference.

a distinctly different

Emphasizes that the things being compared are clearly not the same.

a quite different

Highlights a noticeable difference.

a world apart

Idiomatic expression indicating a very large difference.

poles apart

Idiomatic expression emphasizing extreme opposition or difference.

FAQs

How can I use "a completely different" in a sentence?

You can use "a completely different" to emphasize that something is entirely unlike something else. For example, "After the renovation, the office looked like a "completely different" space".

What are some alternatives to using "a completely different"?

You can use alternatives like "an entirely different", "a totally different", or "a radically different" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a completely different" instead of just "different"?

Use "a completely different" when you want to stress the high degree of dissimilarity between two things. If the difference is minor, "different" is sufficient.

Is "a completely different than" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "different from" is generally considered more grammatically correct than "different than". Therefore, it is best to say "a completely different from" instead.