always been different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always been different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent state of being distinct or unique over time. Example: "Throughout my life, I have always been different from my peers, embracing my individuality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ulster has always been different.

The New York Times - Sports

Tillman, 25, has always been different.

The New York Times - Sports

But Kev has always been different.

The Guardian - Sport

For O'Neal, it has always been different.

The New York Times - Sports

The coal counties here have always been different.

The New York Times

She'd always been different, a bit of an outsider.

The Guardian

We have always been different - different interests, different personalities.

The Guardian

But Mr. Wooster's rooms have always been different.

The New York Times

"Mariel has always been different," Woody Allen says.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Trump's Islamophobia has always been different because his campaign is different.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fred has always been different slow, squeamish, prone to tantrums and Ava asks herself if he can really be guilty.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "always been different", ensure the context clearly establishes a point of comparison. Specify what the subject has consistently differed from to provide clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "always been different" without providing specific examples or context. An unsupported claim can weaken your argument and leave the reader questioning the validity of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always been different" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used to emphasize a consistent and enduring state of being distinct or unique. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates a continuous state. Examples show varied subjects, emphasizing the broad applicability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "always been different" effectively conveys a sense of consistent uniqueness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Analysis of examples reveals that it functions descriptively, highlighting a subject's persistent divergence from a norm, particularly in News & Media sources. While generally neutral in register, ensure specific context for clarity. For alternative phrasing consider "consistently been unique" or "invariably been distinct". Remember to provide a clear point of comparison to maximize impact. The phrase is frequently employed and understood across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consistently been unique

Emphasizes the continuous and unchanging nature of being unique.

invariably been distinct

Highlights the unchanging characteristic of being set apart.

persistently been atypical

Focuses on the ongoing nature of not conforming to the norm.

habitually been unconventional

Highlights the habitual nature of not conforming to conventions or norms.

traditionally been dissimilar

Emphasizes a long-standing history of being not alike or comparable.

historically been discrete

Stresses that separation or disconnection occurred in the past and continues.

customarily been divergent

Indicates a usual pattern of moving in different directions or differing from a common point.

repeatedly been individual

Emphasizes multiple instances of showing distinct or unique characteristics.

predictably been singular

Highlights an expected or foreseeable nature of being unique and distinct.

typically been unmatched

Signifies an unsurprising quality of being without equal or parallel.

FAQs

How can I use "always been different" in a sentence?

You can use "always been different" to describe something that has consistently stood out or been unique compared to others. For example, "This region has always been different due to its unique geological features".

What are some alternatives to "always been different"?

Alternatives include "consistently been unique", "invariably been distinct", or "persistently been atypical", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "always been different" or "always being different"?

"Always been different" is typically used to describe a state that has existed over time. "Always being different" might be used to emphasize a continuous process of differentiation, but it's less common.

What's the difference between "always been different" and "always was different"?

"Always been different" implies a state that began in the past and continues to the present, while "always was different" suggests a state that existed in the past but may or may not continue now. The former is generally more versatile.