a different issue than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a different issue than" is not considered correct in standard written English; the correct form is "a different issue from." You can use it when comparing two distinct topics or problems, but it should be phrased as "a different issue from." Example: "The budget concerns are a different issue from the staffing challenges we are facing."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I think it's a different issue, than, say it was in the nineteen-fifties.

The New Yorker

But there's a different issue than can be raised about Ryan's mountaineering: if he loves it so much, and surely he does, why isn't he a conservationist?

The New Yorker

This case raises a different issue than Bowers: whether, under the Equal Protection Clause, moral disapproval is a legitimate state interest to justify by itself a statute that bans homosexual sodomy, but not heterosexual sodomy.

The New York Times

This is a different issue than everyday quality.

Forbes

That's a different issue than illegal aliens streaming across the border.

TechCrunch

Carnap is addressing a different issue than was addressed by von Mises and Reichenbach.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"A situation in which they have very specific reasons as to why they run their academic programs the way they do is a very different issue than an institution manipulating their academic program in order to allow athletes who should not be eligible to become eligible," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Whatever concern there might be about minorities working in the motion picture business is a very different issue than who is performing with "excellence" in the motion picture industry.

Huffington Post

That's part of the reason for the lack of consumer demand that Summers says is currently hindering a swifter economic recovery -- an entirely different issue than the credit crunch the Federal Reserve's quantitative easing was suppose to solve.

Huffington Post

And that's an entirely different issue than dealing with the shenanigans going on in Washington".

Huffington Post

That's a different issue".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "from" instead of "than" when comparing two distinct issues. For example, use "a different issue from" to maintain grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "than" after "different" when discussing issues. "Than" is typically used for comparisons involving adjectives or adverbs (e.g., 'larger than'), not for distinguishing between separate topics or problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a comparative adjective phrase highlighting the distinct nature of one subject relative to another. While Ludwig examples show its use, the Ludwig AI indicates a preference for the grammatically correct "a different issue from".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a different issue than" appears in various sources, including news and scientific publications, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "a different issue from". Ludwig AI identifies it as non-preferred. When writing, prioritize clarity and grammatical accuracy by using alternatives like "a separate issue from" or "a distinct issue from", especially in formal contexts. The phrase's function is to differentiate between topics, but its incorrect preposition usage undermines its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a separate issue from

Replaces 'different' with 'separate', emphasizing the distinct nature of the issue. The preposition 'from' is grammatically correct.

a distinct issue from

Substitutes 'different' with 'distinct', highlighting the clear and easily noticeable difference between the issues. The preposition 'from' is grammatically correct.

an unrelated issue to

Indicates that the issue is not connected or associated with the other. Changes the preposition to 'to'.

a different aspect than

Focuses on differing aspects rather than the entire issue. This is technically incorrect and would be improved by changing the preposition to 'from'.

a new issue compared to

Introduces the idea of a 'new' issue in relation to another. Changes the preposition to 'compared to'.

another kettle of fish

An idiomatic expression indicating a completely different and often more complex situation.

a horse of a different color

An idiomatic expression meaning a completely different matter altogether.

a departure from

Highlights a deviation or divergence from a previous issue or topic.

something else entirely

Emphasizes the complete difference and unrelated nature of the subject.

on another note

Indicates a shift to a different topic or subject matter.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the phrase "a different issue from" in a sentence?

Use "a different issue from" to introduce a topic that is separate and distinct from the one previously discussed. Example: "The question of funding is "a different issue from" staffing challenges".

What is a grammatically correct alternative to "a different issue than"?

The correct phrasing is "a different issue from". You can also use alternatives like "a separate issue from" or "a distinct issue from".

When should I use "than" versus "from" in comparisons?

"Than" is used when comparing qualities or degrees (e.g., "larger than"). "From" is used to indicate separation or distinction between items (e.g., "different from").

Is "a different issue than" ever considered acceptable in formal writing?

While sometimes used informally, "a different issue than" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Always use "a different issue from" for clarity and correctness.