a very different thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very different thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is significantly unlike another thing in nature, quality, or characteristics. Example: "While both options have their merits, choosing the second one is a very different thing than going with the first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a very different thing.

The New York Times

So it's a very different thing.

The New York Times

That's a very different thing".

The Guardian

Which is a very different thing.

The New York Times - Food

That's a very different thing to switchover.

The Guardian

That's a very different thing than ending it.

The New Yorker

The birth of Christ, undeniably, is a very different thing.

Independent

He believed that it was useless, a very different thing.

The New Yorker

It was, however, a very different thing that actually happened.

The Guardian - Sport

But the 70s is a very different thing".

The Guardian - Arts

"It's a very different thing: you're backing something up".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a very different thing" to clearly distinguish between two concepts, situations, or items when you want to emphasize that they are not just slightly different, but significantly so. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a very different thing" repeatedly within a short passage. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "a distinct matter" or "an entirely separate issue" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very different thing" functions as a qualifier or descriptor, indicating that one item, concept, or situation is significantly unlike another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very different thing" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a significant distinction between two or more subjects. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it is widely used in various contexts, most notably in News & Media and Academia, which makes its register quite neutral. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the context clearly establishes the items being compared and that overuse is avoided for stylistic reasons. Considering semantically similar alternatives and avoiding redundancy when using "a very different thing" improves overall writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantially different matter

Emphasizes the significant difference in terms of importance or gravity.

an entirely distinct concept

Highlights the separateness and uniqueness of the concept.

a markedly different situation

Stresses the noticeable and evident difference in the circumstances.

a significantly altered circumstance

Highlights how much the new thing varies from the original condition, with a change implied.

a categorically diverse entity

Indicates a fundamental and clear difference in the kind or type of entity.

a fundamentally dissimilar aspect

Underlines the basic and essential difference in a particular aspect.

a wholly unique phenomenon

Highlights that the phenomenon is completely and utterly different.

a starkly contrasting element

Focuses on the sharp and obvious contrast between the elements.

a world apart

Suggests a vast and almost unbridgeable difference.

not the same thing at all

Emphasizes that there's no association between the things being talked about.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very different thing" to highlight a substantial difference between two subjects. For example: "Although they both involve exercise, yoga is "a very different thing" than marathon running".

What phrases are similar to "a very different thing"?

Similar phrases include "a substantially different matter", "an entirely distinct concept", or "not the same thing at all", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "very" before "different thing"?

No, using "very" is not always necessary. While it adds emphasis, "a different thing" is perfectly acceptable and often sufficient. The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to convey.

What is the nuance between "a different thing" and "a very different thing"?

"A different thing" implies a general distinction, whereas "a very different thing" emphasizes a significant and notable divergence. The addition of "very" amplifies the degree of difference.