as different as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as different as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two things that are very dissimilar. For example, "Day and night are as different as chalk and cheese."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sticks were idiosyncratic, as different as thumbprints.

The New Yorker

"As different as heaven and earth".

The New Yorker

"As different as New York and Alabama gets, that's as different as our skating was.

The New York Times - Sports

That's as different as different can be.

Independent

The brothers are about as different as you could imagine.

The Guardian - Sport

"He is as different as the other two," Peterson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, they are about as different as can be.

The New Yorker

Their memories of Head are as different as their personalities.

The Guardian - Music

They're as different as California, Indiana and the Dominican Republic.

The New York Times - Sports

Eid meals are as different as Eid timings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Every stroke is as different as every snowflake.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as different as" to emphasize a strong contrast between two subjects, making your writing more vivid and impactful. For instance, "Their personalities are as different as night and day."

Common error

Avoid using "as different as" when the contrast is subtle or minor; it's best reserved for situations where the differences are substantial and easily perceived. For example, saying "Their opinions are as different as slightly warm and lukewarm" diminishes the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as different as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to emphasize the degree of dissimilarity between two or more subjects. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility in highlighting stark contrasts. The phrase is considered grammatically correct and widely applicable according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as different as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative construction designed to highlight significant dissimilarities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively emphasizes contrasts and is suitable for diverse contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media. To maximize its impact, reserve this phrase for comparisons where the divergence is clear and substantial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as dissimilar as

Emphasizes a lack of similarity between two things.

as unlike as

A straightforward way to express that two things are not similar.

as distinct as

Highlights the clear and noticeable differences.

as varied as

Suggests a range of differences within a group.

quite different

Indicates a notable level of difference.

as disparate as

Indicates a significant and fundamental divergence.

entirely different

Simply states that there's no similarity at all.

as divergent as

Implies a branching out or moving away from a common point.

worlds apart

Highlights a vast difference, often in terms of experience or background.

poles apart

Emphasizes the extreme opposition or difference.

FAQs

How can I use "as different as" in a sentence?

Use "as different as" to highlight a stark contrast between two things. For example, "The two brothers are "as different as" fire and ice" shows they have opposing personalities.

What phrases are similar to "as different as"?

You can use phrases like "as dissimilar as", "poles apart", or "worlds apart" to convey a similar meaning of great dissimilarity.

Is it correct to say "as different than" instead of "as different as"?

While "different than" is sometimes used, "different from" is generally preferred. Therefore, "as different as" is the more grammatically sound choice.

How does "as different as" compare to "distinct from"?

"As different as" emphasizes a greater degree of dissimilarity, often with a comparative element. "Distinct from" simply indicates that two things are not the same, without necessarily highlighting the extent of the difference.