are not so different from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not so different from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two or more things, indicating that they share similarities despite some differences. Example: "The two cultures are not so different from each other when it comes to their values and traditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Parish churches are not so different from cathedrals.

The Guardian

"But I discovered that people here are not so different from Europe and the United States.

The New York Times

"But bureaucrats are not so different from the people who voted for me.

The New York Times

The nighttime calls from those whose issues are not so different from hers.

The New York Times - Sports

Disabled people, both athletes and non-athletes, are not so different from everyone else.

The Guardian - Sport

Their secret lives, in the end, are not so different from our own.

The New York Times

Children brought up in religious and political cults are not so different from everyone else.

The Guardian - Books

"Astronomers are not so different from real estate agents — location, location, location," he said.

The New York Times - Science

These are not so different from Mr Schröder's own goals (42%, 42% and 40%).

The Economist

Hedge funds are not so different from their Wall Street brethren.

The New York Times

When you think about it, rules for drinking are not so different from rules for writing.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "are not so different from" to gently highlight the similarities between subjects, especially when you want to avoid overstating their likeness. It's ideal for nuanced comparisons.

Common error

Avoid using "are not so different from" to draw connections between things that have fundamentally different natures. This can lead to confusing or misleading statements. For example, avoid saying "Eating an apple is not so different from flying to the moon."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not so different from" functions primarily as a comparative connector. It serves to draw parallels between two or more subjects, implying shared characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not so different from" is a versatile comparative tool used to highlight similarities between two or more subjects while acknowledging their differences. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It appears frequently in news, media, and literature, functioning to connect seemingly disparate concepts. To avoid misuse, ensure you are comparing subjects that share some fundamental similarities, not entirely distinct concepts. Alternatives such as ""are quite similar to"" or ""share many similarities with"" can offer nuanced ways to express resemblance. This phrase, while common, should be employed thoughtfully to enhance clarity and avoid misleading comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are quite similar to

Uses "quite similar" to indicate a high degree of likeness.

are largely the same as

Emphasizes the substantial overlap between the subjects being compared.

have a lot in common with

Indicates shared traits or characteristics between the subjects.

share many similarities with

Highlights the common attributes that the subjects possess.

are not so unlike

Employs a more subtle way of pointing out the similarities.

aren't that dissimilar to

Uses a double negative to express a mild degree of similarity.

exhibit comparable traits to

Suggests the shared characteristics are readily apparent and measurable.

bear a resemblance to

Focuses on the visual or superficial similarities.

parallel each other

Highlights the parallel or corresponding aspects of two or more things.

mirror each other

Suggests an exact or nearly exact correspondence.

FAQs

How can I use "are not so different from" in a sentence?

Use "are not so different from" to compare two or more things, indicating they share similarities. For instance, "Cats "are not so different from" dogs in their need for affection".

What can I say instead of "are not so different from"?

Alternatives include "are quite similar to", "are largely the same as", or "share many similarities with" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are not so different from"?

It is appropriate when you want to highlight similarities between subjects while acknowledging that differences exist. It's useful for nuanced comparisons where you don't want to overstate the likeness.

Is "are not so different from" formal or informal?

The phrase "are not so different from" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its acceptability depends more on the overall tone and content of your writing rather than the phrase itself.