an altogether different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an altogether different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is completely distinct or separate from something else. Example: "The new policy is an altogether different approach to managing employee performance compared to the previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Patricia was an altogether different proposition.

The Economist

But this is an altogether different feeling.

Independent

Thai students have an altogether different impression.

The New York Times

Howard presents an altogether different gauge.

The New York Times - Sports

Wozniacki is an altogether different story.

The Guardian - Sport

Tomorrow is an altogether different proposition.

The Guardian - Sport

Morning revealed an altogether different landscape.

The Guardian - Travel

Frister, however, has an altogether different sensibility.

The New York Times - Books

Johnson had an altogether different approach.

The New Yorker

Tackling it is an altogether different matter.

The Guardian - Business

Woods has been subject to an altogether different reaction.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an altogether different" to clearly signal a significant departure from a previous point or situation. It's effective for emphasizing contrast and introducing new perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "an altogether different" for minor differences; it's best reserved for situations where the distinction is substantial and impactful. Overusing it can dilute its emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an altogether different" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase that emphasizes the distinct nature of the noun it modifies. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase highlights a significant divergence or contrast.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an altogether different" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to emphasize contrast and highlight significant differences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely employed in news, academic, and scientific contexts, carrying a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the difference being highlighted is substantial enough to warrant the emphasis. Alternatives such as "a completely different" or "an entirely different" can be used, though "an altogether different" often conveys a slightly more sophisticated nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a completely different

Replaces "altogether" with "completely", indicating a total dissimilarity.

an entirely different

Substitutes "altogether" with "entirely", emphasizing a full and absolute difference.

a totally different

Uses "totally" in place of "altogether", conveying a complete divergence.

a wholly different

Employs "wholly" to underscore a thorough distinction.

a distinctly different

Replaces "altogether" with "distinctly", highlighting a clear and unmistakable difference.

a markedly different

Uses "markedly" to emphasize that the difference is easily noticeable or significant.

a substantially different

Substitutes "altogether" with "substantially", indicating a significant difference in amount or degree.

a radically different

Employs "radically" to suggest that the difference is fundamental or extreme.

an antithetical

Changes the structure and some wording to show opposition between two things.

a world apart

Uses a more figurative expression to describe something completely different.

FAQs

How can I use "an altogether different" in a sentence?

Use "an altogether different" to introduce something that contrasts sharply with what was previously mentioned. For example, "While the first proposal was promising, the second offers "an altogether different" approach to the problem".

What phrases are similar to "an altogether different"?

You can use alternatives like "a completely different", "an entirely different", or "a totally different" depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to use "an entirely different" or "an altogether different"?

Both phrases are correct and often interchangeable. "An altogether different" may carry a slightly more formal tone, while "an entirely different" is equally effective and commonly used.

When should I use "a completely different" instead of "an altogether different"?

"A completely different" and "an altogether different" are very similar. Use "a completely different" when you want a straightforward, clear way to emphasize total dissimilarity. "An altogether different" might add a touch more emphasis or formality, but the difference is subtle.