a substantially different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantially different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more items, indicating that one item differs significantly from another in some way. Example: "The new model of the car is a substantially different design compared to its predecessor, offering improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bread and durum wheat genotypes were characterized by a different physiological reaction to water stress and by a substantially different molecular response.

BMC Genomics

"So far we haven't found evidence that they behave differently, but the early universe was a substantially different place than it is now," he said.

Los Angeles Times

That is, what difference in that variable or measure would result in a substantially different clinical outcome?

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research

The Devils will have a substantially different look next season.

The New York Times

Side-scrolling platformer Limbo is a substantially different affair.

The Guardian - Tech

It must have a substantially different approach to the Conservatives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Protecting civilian populations requires a substantially different approach (see article).

The Economist

In June, the Senate Finance Committee approved a substantially different bill, 13 to 8.

The New York Times

(A substantially different 1972 rewrite by Williams was produced in 2001 in Westport, Conn).

The New York Times

The company chose an external source because health care consulting required a substantially different organizational structure.

Harvard Business Review

Nor has the longer view given us a substantially different perspective.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing this phrase; it is suitable for formal and semi-formal writing where precision is valued.

Common error

While appropriate for formal writing, relying too heavily on "a substantially different" in casual conversation or informal writing can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very different" or "quite different" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantially different" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is significantly dissimilar. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used, appearing in numerous examples to highlight notable distinctions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantially different" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a significant degree of dissimilarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across various contexts. Its usage is particularly prevalent in news, science, and academic writing, indicating a neutral to formal tone. When seeking alternatives, consider "a significantly different" or "a markedly different", keeping in mind the intended emphasis and audience. While suitable for formal settings, simpler phrases may be more appropriate in casual communication. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to convey precision and highlight important distinctions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significantly different

Emphasizes the statistical or practical importance of the difference.

a markedly different

Highlights that the difference is easily noticeable or distinct.

a considerably different

Indicates that the difference is large in amount or degree.

a notably different

Suggests the difference is worthy of attention or recognition.

a distinctly different

Implies a clear and unambiguous difference.

an entirely different

Emphasizes a complete and total difference.

a radically different

Highlights that the difference is fundamental or extreme.

a fundamentally different

Stresses that the difference affects the core nature or essence.

a divergent

Focuses on how two or more things begin to move in different directions.

a contrasting

Highlights a stark or noticeable difference.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantially different" to compare two things and highlight a significant difference between them. For example, "The new policy represents a substantially different approach to environmental conservation."

What's the difference between "a substantially different" and "a significantly different"?

Both phrases indicate a notable difference, but "a substantially different" often implies a larger or more fundamental change than "a significantly different", which can sometimes refer to statistical significance.

Which is more formal, "a substantially different" or "a markedly different"?

"A substantially different" tends to be more formal, while "a markedly different" is slightly less formal and emphasizes that the difference is easily noticeable.

What are some alternatives to "a substantially different"?

You can use alternatives such as "a significantly different", "a markedly different", or "a considerably different" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.