are different for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are different for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something varies depending on the subject or context being discussed. Example: "The requirements for this project are different for each team member based on their role."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Responsibilities are different for mentors.

The New York Times

The rules are different for Mrs. Clinton.

The New York Times

Things are different for Vera.

The Guardian - Film

Things are different for Apple.

The Guardian - Tech

But the stakes are different for teenagers.

The Guardian

Our palates are different, for starters.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The numbers are different for each country.

The New York Times - Travel

Management plans are different for every species.

The Guardian

The anxieties are different for every group.

The New York Times - Tech

Things are different for Jeremy Scott.

The Washington Post

The combinations are different for each individual.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are different for", ensure the context clearly specifies the groups or items being compared to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "rules are different for students", specify "the rules are different for graduate and undergraduate students".

Common error

Avoid using "are different for" without providing specific details about the differences. Simply stating that things are different without explanation offers little value to the reader. Always clarify how they differ and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are different for" functions as a comparative descriptor, indicating that characteristics, rules, or conditions vary depending on the subject. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to point out distinctions between various entities or situations. It is grammatically correct and widely understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are different for" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to express variations between entities. Ludwig confirms its appropriateness for highlighting distinctions across numerous contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase is very common across diverse sources, including news, science, and formal documents. To ensure clarity, always provide specific details about how things "are different for" each subject. Using phrases like "vary depending on" or are unique to can offer nuances, but "are different for" remains a straightforward and universally understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are specific to

Emphasizes unique characteristics bound to particular contexts.

differ based on

Emphasizes the foundation or reason for the difference.

are unique to

Stresses that certain attributes or features belong exclusively to specific cases.

vary depending on

Focuses on the dependence of variation on something else.

are not the same across

Highlights the lack of uniformity between multiple elements.

are not uniform among

Indicates a lack of consistency across a group.

are distinct among

Stresses the individuality of the items being compared.

exhibit variations in

More formal, indicating observable differences.

change with respect to

Implies a transformation or modification based on a factor.

diverge with regard to

Highlights points of separation or departure.

FAQs

How can I use "are different for" in a sentence?

Use "are different for" to highlight variations between subjects, groups, or conditions. For example, "The requirements "are different for" each department" or "The rules "are different for" adults and children".

What is a good alternative to "are different for"?

Alternatives include "vary depending on", "differ based on", or "are specific to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "are different to" instead of "are different for"?

While "different to" is acceptable in some dialects of English, "are different for" is generally preferred in American English. Using "are different for" ensures broader clarity and acceptance.

What's the difference between "are different for" and "are unique to"?

"Are different for" suggests variations between items or groups, whereas "are unique to" indicates that something is exclusive to a particular item or group. For example, "The challenges "are different for" each project," but "This feature are unique to this model".