as different as the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as different as the" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to compare or contrast two things that are very dissimilar to each other. Example: "The twins were as different as the sun and the moon. One was outgoing and sociable, while the other was introverted and reserved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As different as the magazines are, there are just as many differences with regard to what and whom they will publish.

Huffington Post

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

The New York Times - Sports

As different as the books may seem, Mr. Cohen sees a common thread.

The New York Times - Books

He said the two systems were not as different as the court suggested.

The New York Times

Their aims are as different as the styles in which they are written.

The New York Times - Books

They are as different as the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Michigan.

The New York Times - Sports

As different as the conditions and circumstances are, England may have been mindful of that when they made this selection.

The Guardian - Sport

Each team was positive to the end, but in ways as different as the ball clubs themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

As different as the two styles can be, they have a lot in common beyond historical ties.

The New York Times - Food

As different as the two are in style, they share one essential quality: both are family-run operations.

The New York Times

For the Nationals, though, no season since they became perennial contenders is as different as the one that approaches now.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as different as the", ensure that the items being compared are genuinely distinct to create a strong and impactful contrast. Avoid using it for minor differences, as this weakens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "as different as the" when describing subtle variations. This phrase is meant to highlight substantial contrasts, not trivial distinctions. For minor nuances, use words like "slightly" or "somewhat" different.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as different as the" functions as a comparative construction, emphasizing a high degree of dissimilarity between two subjects. It sets up a vivid contrast, illustrating how much the items being compared diverge. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is used to highlight notable differences across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as different as the" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction used to emphasize stark contrasts between two subjects. As Ludwig AI shows, it’s widely used across news and media, encyclopedias, and academic contexts, denoting its versatility and broad applicability. When using "as different as the", be mindful of the magnitude of the differences you're describing, reserving it for significant contrasts rather than subtle nuances. Alternatives like ""as unlike as the"" or ""worlds apart"" can offer similar emphasis, depending on the specific context. Remember that choosing the right phrase is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as unlike as the

Emphasizes the lack of similarity between the compared items. Slightly less idiomatic than the original.

different as night and day

Uses a common metaphor to illustrate the stark contrast between two things.

as distinct as the

Highlights the clear and easily recognizable differences between the subjects. Implies a more defined separation.

as disparate as the

Stresses the fundamental incompatibility and wide gap separating the items. Suggests a more extreme difference.

as divergent as the

Focuses on how the compared items are moving in opposite directions or developing in radically different ways. Implies a process of separation.

worlds apart

A more concise and evocative way to communicate extreme dissimilarity. More informal.

poles apart

Similar to "worlds apart" but uses the metaphor of geographic poles to express opposition.

at opposite ends of the spectrum

Highlights the position of compared items on a range or scale, emphasizing their distance from each other.

nothing alike

A simple and direct way to state that the compared items share no similarities.

chalk and cheese

A British idiom expressing fundamental incompatibility. Less formal and culturally specific.

FAQs

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

Use "as different as the" to emphasize a strong contrast between two things. For example: "Their personalities are "as different as the" sun and the moon".

What are some alternatives to "as different as the"?

Alternatives include "as unlike as the", "as distinct as the", or "worlds apart". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as different as the"?

Yes, "as different as the" is a grammatically correct phrase used to draw a comparison between two distinct things.

What's the difference between "as different as the" and "slightly different"?

"As different as the" highlights a major contrast, while "slightly different" indicates a minor variation. Use "as different as the" when the items are significantly dissimilar.