a radically different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a radically different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significantly or fundamentally unlike something else. Example: "The new policy represents a radically different approach to employee management compared to the previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now she gets a radically different reception.

The New Yorker

It's a radically different world.

The Guardian

"Environments" had a radically different effect.

The New Yorker

Trump has taken a radically different path.

The New Yorker

Perhaps a radically different approach is needed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The scientists proposed a radically different approach.

Harvard Business Review

Americans take a radically different approach.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some Expect a Radically Different Albany.

The New York Times

Should we consider a radically different system of government?

Stanford University

Katie Mitchell at the Cottesloe takes a radically different tack.

The Guardian

Triodos is a radically different kind of bank.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a radically different", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being contrasted. Provide specific details to highlight the extent and nature of the difference.

Common error

Avoid using "a radically different" when the change is merely incremental or superficial. Reserve this phrase for situations where the contrast is truly significant and transformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a radically different" functions as an adjectival modifier, enhancing the meaning of a noun. It serves to highlight a substantial contrast or departure from a norm, previous state, or expectation. Ludwig shows examples where it describes various nouns, such as 'approach', 'world', 'system' etc.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a radically different" is a common adjectival phrase used to emphasize a significant contrast or departure from the norm. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it as grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media, Academia and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes clear what is being contrasted, and that the differences are truly substantial. Alternatives include "a fundamentally distinct" or "an entirely unique". However, you should avoid overstating minor differences, reserving "a radically different" for truly transformative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamentally distinct

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature of the difference.

an entirely unique

Highlights the unparalleled nature of the subject.

a drastically altered

Focuses on the extreme extent of the change.

a completely dissimilar

Stresses the lack of resemblance between two things.

a markedly contrasting

Emphasizes the noticeable opposition or dissimilarity.

a wholly transformed

Highlights the complete alteration of something.

an exceptionally divergent

Emphasizes the deviation from a common point.

a significantly revised

Focuses on the notable modification made to something.

a strikingly novel

Highlights the unusual and new nature of something.

a distinctly unconventional

Emphasizes the departure from traditional norms.

FAQs

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

You can use "a radically different" to emphasize a significant contrast or change, as in "The company adopted "a radically different approach" to marketing this year".

What are some alternatives to "a radically different"?

Alternatives include "a fundamentally distinct", "an entirely unique", or "a drastically altered" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a radically different" in formal writing?

Yes, "a radically different" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant departures from established norms or practices. Its frequency across different sources indicates broad acceptance in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "a radically different" and "a slightly different"?

"A radically different" indicates a substantial and fundamental change, while "a slightly different" implies a minor or incremental variation. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you wish to emphasize.