an entirely different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an entirely 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 entirely 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

59 human-written examples

"Indeed an entirely different museum.

Independent

He's an entirely different writer!

The New Yorker

She had an entirely different interpretation.

The New Yorker

The DUP has an entirely different perspective.

The Guardian

Lufthansa meets an entirely different demand.

The Economist

He operated in an entirely different environment.

The New Yorker

We're in an entirely different situation".

The New York Times

It's an entirely different thought process.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama sees an entirely different universe.

The New York Times

(Baking yeast is an entirely different product).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We're looking at an entirely different result".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an entirely different" to clearly distinguish between two subjects or concepts, emphasizing a complete separation rather than a slight variation.

Common error

Avoid using "an entirely different" when a simple "different" suffices. Overusing it can weaken your writing, especially when the difference is not absolute but a matter of degree.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an entirely different" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, strongly emphasizing the degree of difference. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used to underscore that something is completely distinct from something else. Examples show this across various contexts, highlighting stark contrasts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an entirely different" is a commonly used adjective phrase that serves to strongly emphasize a distinction between two subjects or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but is also found in academic and scientific writing, maintaining a generally neutral register. When using this phrase, consider the nuance you wish to convey, choosing among synonyms like "a completely different" or "a radically different" for subtle variations in meaning. Avoid overuse to maintain impact, and remember that its primary function is to signal a fundamental, rather than superficial, difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a completely different

Emphasizes the completeness of the difference.

a totally different

Stresses the entirety of the distinction.

a radically different

Highlights a significant and fundamental departure.

a markedly different

Indicates a noticeable or easily observed difference.

a substantially different

Suggests a significant degree of difference.

an altogether different

Emphasizes the overall or complete difference.

a wholly different

Highlights the full extent of the difference.

a distinctly different

Indicates a clear and recognizable difference.

a divergent

More formal, emphasizing a separation or branching out.

a dissimilar

A formal term denoting lack of resemblance.

FAQs

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

Use "an entirely different" to emphasize that something is completely distinct or separate from something else. For example, "This approach is "an entirely different matter" compared to what we discussed earlier."

What's the difference between "an entirely different" and "a completely different"?

While both phrases convey a high degree of difference, "an entirely different" might subtly suggest a change in nature or essence, whereas "a completely different" emphasizes the completeness of the divergence. In many contexts, they are interchangeable.

Which is correct, "an entirely different" or "a totally different"?

Both "an entirely different" and "a totally different" are correct and widely accepted. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference, as they carry very similar meanings.

What can I say instead of "an entirely different"?

You can use alternatives like "a completely different", "a radically different", or "a markedly different" depending on the nuance you want to convey.