are substantially different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'are substantially different' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to two things that have noticeable differences. For example: "These two species of birds have different habitats and behaviors, and they are substantially different."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Interestingly, these datasets are substantially different.

MIT Technology Review

But the 2012 and 2008 campaigns are substantially different.

The New York Times

Although their numbers are similar, the expectations for them are substantially different.

The New York Times - Sports

"I would argue that conditions are substantially different today than they were in 1978," he said.

The Washington Post

Romney's 2011 returns are substantially different from the estimate his campaign provided in January.

The Washington Post

Creating testing environments that are substantially different from the real environment.

Harvard Business Review

There are substantially different productivity patterns between the core members of the EU and the rest.

The Economist

These forecasts are substantially different than those from a fitted ARFIMA model.

International Journal of Forecasting

Plant design simulation programs are substantially different from systems used for training and commissioning.

Instrumentation Reference Book

From the parallelisation point of view these two components are substantially different.

Computers & Graphics

Those aged <65 in nursing homes (NHs) are substantially different from elderly residents.

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are substantially different" when you want to emphasize that differences are not just superficial, but significant and impactful. This phrase is stronger than simply saying something is 'different'.

Common error

Avoid using "are substantially different" when the differences are minor or trivial. Overusing the word 'substantially' can weaken its impact and make your writing sound exaggerated. Choose a less forceful term if the differences are not significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are substantially different" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate that the items being compared possess significant dissimilarities. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are substantially different" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote significant disparities between entities. Its use is considered correct and appropriate across various contexts, with particular prevalence in science, news media, and formal business communications. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread application. While highly useful for emphasizing important distinctions, it is crucial to avoid overuse and ensure that the differences truly warrant the term 'substantial'. Alternatives like "are noticeably different" or "are significantly different" can be employed for nuanced variations in meaning. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and register, writers can effectively leverage this phrase to enhance the clarity and impact of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are noticeably different

Implies a difference that is easily observed.

are significantly different

Highlights a statistically important level of difference.

are considerably different

Suggests a difference that is worthy of attention or consideration.

are markedly different

Emphasizes that the difference is very easy to notice.

are distinctly different

Stresses the clearness and unambiguity of the difference.

are vastly different

Implies a very large degree of difference.

are radically different

Suggests a difference that is fundamental and far-reaching.

are poles apart

Uses a more informal, figurative expression for extreme difference.

differ significantly

Uses a verb-focused construction to highlight the act of differing.

bear little resemblance

Focuses on the lack of similarity or likeness.

FAQs

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

You can use "are substantially different" to highlight significant disparities between two or more things. For example, "The research methodologies employed in these two studies "are substantially different", leading to divergent results."

What's a less formal alternative to "are substantially different"?

If you're aiming for a more casual tone, consider alternatives like "are quite different", "are pretty different", or even "are worlds apart".

What is the difference between "are substantially different" and "are slightly different"?

"Are substantially different" emphasizes a significant degree of dissimilarity, implying that the differences are impactful. In contrast, "are slightly different" suggests that the differences are minor and may not have a major effect.

When is it appropriate to use "are substantially different" in academic writing?

Use "are substantially different" in academic writing when you need to emphasize key methodological, theoretical, or empirical distinctions between studies, concepts, or findings. This helps highlight the importance of those differences to the reader.