are different from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'are different from' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two things that differ in some way. For example, "Apples and oranges are different from one another in taste and texture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They are different from Qaddafi.

The New Yorker

They are different from ordinary news pictures.

Independent

Content people are different from wires people.

The Economist

Countries are different from each other.

The Economist

"My limits are different from Prost's".

The New York Times - Sports

"Families are different from one another.

The New York Times

We are different from any other team".

The New York Times

Malays here are different from other countries.

The New York Times

"They are different from you and me".

The Guardian - Money

"We are different from the PLO.

The Economist

Mutuals really are different from banks".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing multiple items, clearly state the criteria for comparison to emphasize how the items "are different from" each other. For example: "These two approaches are different from each other in terms of cost, efficiency, and scalability."

Common error

Avoid using "are different from" without specifying what makes them different. For example, instead of saying "These results are different from previous studies", specify: "These results are different from previous studies in terms of statistical significance and sample size."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are different from" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that two or more entities possess distinct qualities or characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are different from" is a versatile phrase used to highlight distinctions between entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts like news, science, and business. While alternatives such as "are dissimilar to" or "are distinct from" exist, the key is to ensure the comparison is complete and specifies what makes the subjects different. By avoiding incomplete comparisons and understanding its broad applicability, you can effectively use "are different from" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are dissimilar to

Focuses on a lack of resemblance, emphasizing that the items do not share similar characteristics.

are distinct from

Highlights a clear and recognizable difference, suggesting that the items are easily distinguishable.

are unlike

A more straightforward way of saying that the items do not share similar qualities or attributes.

contrast with

Emphasizes the differences between items when compared side by side.

deviate from

Suggests a departure from a standard, norm, or expectation.

vary from

Indicates a range of differences, suggesting that the items change or differ in certain aspects.

diverge from

Highlights a separation or branching off in different directions or characteristics.

bear no resemblance to

Emphasizes a complete lack of similarity, suggesting that the items are entirely different.

stand apart from

Highlights the uniqueness of an item, emphasizing its separation from others in a group.

differentiate themselves from

Focuses on the action of actively distinguishing one's self or something from others.

FAQs

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

Use "are different from" to highlight the distinctions between two or more subjects. For example, "Cats are different from dogs in their behavior and needs."

What are some alternatives to "are different from"?

You can use alternatives such as "are dissimilar to", "are distinct from", or "are unlike" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "different than" instead of "are different from"?

While "different than" is sometimes used, "are different from" is generally considered more grammatically correct and is preferred in formal writing. For example, "My views are different from yours" is favored over "My views are different than yours."

What's the difference between "are different from" and "are separate from"?

"Are different from" emphasizes distinctions in characteristics or qualities. "Are separate from" emphasizes physical or conceptual independence. For example, "These concepts are different from each other" highlights distinctions, while "These departments are separate from each other" indicates independence.