as different from

USAGE SUMMARY

"as different from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to draw a comparison between two things that may share some similarities, but also some key differences. For example, "My personality is as different from my sister's as night and day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At times, the son seemed to strain to define himself as different from his father.

The New York Times

Perhaps, Ms. Roach postulates, we're not as different from animals as we'd like to think.

The New York Times - Books

Right is as different from wrong as black is from white.

Science Magazine

"He is about as different from Arthur Scargill as you can get.

BBC

He's as different from Richard as could be envisioned.

Huffington Post

We aren't as different from Greece as we would like to believe.

Vice

Piazza views his situation as different from Ewing's.

The New York Times - Sports

Why is water seen as different from other commodities?

The New Yorker

It marked him out as different from other singers.

The Guardian - Music

They stand out as different from more westernised Muslims.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those who know Byers, 33, describe him as different from anyone they have met.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as different from", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the differing aspects are easily understood by the reader. It is important to specify in what way two things are different.

Common error

Avoid using "as different from" without clearly specifying the basis of the difference. Vague comparisons can confuse readers and weaken your argument. Instead of saying "Their approach was as different from ours", specify "Their approach to project management was as different from ours as a waterfall model is from an agile framework".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as different from" functions as a prepositional phrase used for comparison. It introduces a contrasting element, indicating how one subject diverges from another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as different from" is a versatile phrase used to effectively highlight the distinctions between two subjects. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. Found predominantly in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Remember to ensure clarity in your comparisons to avoid vagueness and maximize the impact of your writing. Alternatives like "distinct from", "unlike", and "dissimilar to" can be considered for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct from

This alternative offers a more concise and direct way to express difference, suitable for formal contexts.

unlike

A simple and widely understood term for expressing dissimilarity, best for informal or general use.

dissimilar to

This emphasizes the lack of similarity, often used when highlighting specific differing attributes.

contrasting with

Focuses on the opposition or divergence between two entities, ideal for comparative analyses.

divergent from

Suggests a branching or deviation from a common point, appropriate for discussing evolving differences.

at odds with

Implies a conflict or incompatibility, highlighting differences that lead to disagreement.

bearing no resemblance to

Emphasizes a complete lack of similarity, suitable when highlighting stark differences.

in contrast to

Highlights differences by placing two things side-by-side, commonly used to emphasize opposing traits.

differing from

A more formal alternative to "different from", often used in academic or technical writing.

set apart from

This emphasizes the quality of being unique or distinguished, used when highlighting what makes something stand out.

FAQs

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

Use "as different from" to highlight the distinctions between two subjects. For example, "His management style is "as different from" hers as night is from day".

What are some alternatives to "as different from"?

You can use alternatives such as "distinct from", "unlike", or "dissimilar to" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

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

While "different than" is sometimes used, especially in American English, ""as different from"" is generally considered more grammatically correct and is widely accepted in both American and British English.

What's the difference between "as different from" and "different than"?

"As different from" is the preferred construction when making a comparison, particularly in formal writing. "Different than" is more common in informal contexts, but "different from" is generally considered more standard.