a different thing from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a different thing from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two things and denote that they are distinct from one another. For example, "This book is a different thing from what I expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It's a different thing from simply being good company.

The Guardian - Opinion

Humanizing yourself, after all, is a different thing from showing your humanity.

The New Yorker

But that is a different thing from the suspension of reason".

The New York Times

That is quite a different thing from suggesting that the state should do everything.

The Guardian - Books

Of course, that is quite a different thing from saying that such a long-term performance could be easily replicated.

The Economist

"But if you're exchanging gifts with someone you're dating, that's quite a different thing from saying you're bribing someone".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

What had occurred on the evening of Germany and Holland was a different thing altogether from the news Mr. Durcan had brought, no way could it be related.

The New Yorker

As a few movie executives pointed out, staging a fashion show remains a very different thing from telling a story with a camera.

The New York Times

A fresh pecan is a revelation, a far different thing from the brown, often wizened nut that you find in bags on supermarket shelves.

The New York Times - Food

Notifications will be a tricky thing to get right on Echo, since a push alert with voice in a device with no display is a very different thing from a subtle vibration or screen-based alert on a smartphone.

TechCrunch

That's a completely different thing from a drunk guy in a kebab shop saying: "Hey Romesh, I love that show with you and your mum". That to me is like … fine, I can walk away from that.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a different thing from" to clearly distinguish between two concepts or objects, especially when they might be mistakenly considered similar. This phrase can help avoid confusion and ensure clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a different thing from" when a simpler word like "different than" or "unlike" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less direct. Aim for conciseness where possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a different thing from" functions as a prepositional phrase used to draw a distinction between two subjects. It highlights that the items being compared, although potentially related, are not identical. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a different thing from" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to emphasize a distinction between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources. While versatile, consider conciseness and explore alternatives like "distinct from" or "unlike" for potentially clearer and more impactful writing. Be mindful of overusing the phrase and ensure that it genuinely enhances the clarity and precision of your message. Top authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian employ it regularly, affirming its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct from

Focuses on the separateness and individuality of two things.

dissimilar to

Highlights the lack of resemblance between two items.

not the same as

Emphasizes that the two things being compared are not identical.

differs significantly from

Highlights a substantial difference.

bears no resemblance to

Stresses a complete lack of similarity.

a far cry from

Indicates a significant difference or contrast.

of a different nature than

Emphasizes a fundamental difference in kind or type.

unrelated to

Indicates a lack of connection or association.

another matter entirely

Indicates the difference between two subjects is substantial.

not analogous to

Highlights the lack of analogy between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "a different thing from" in a sentence?

Use "a different thing from" to highlight the distinction between two subjects. For instance, "Playing the piano is "a different thing from" composing music" emphasizes that performing and creating music are distinct activities.

What's the difference between "a different thing from" and "different than"?

While both phrases indicate a difference, "different than" is more common in American English, and ""a different thing from"" often emphasizes a more substantial or qualitative distinction. Consider context and audience when choosing between them.

What can I say instead of "a different thing from"?

You can use alternatives like "distinct from", "dissimilar to", or "not the same as" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a different thing from"?

While generally correct, overuse can make your writing sound awkward. In some cases, a simpler construction like "unlike" or "distinct from" might be more appropriate for conciseness and clarity.