be qualitatively different from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be qualitatively different from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing differences in quality or characteristics between two or more subjects. Example: "The new model of the car is expected to be qualitatively different from its predecessor in terms of performance and design."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

But Applewhite's point is that older people may not be qualitatively different from "youngers".

The New Yorker

"We are seeing more centers framed as sustainability, but they may not be qualitatively different from the ethics, innovation or globalization centers of 15 years ago," he said.

The New York Times

BUT forecasting is tricky, and I have a hard time believing that financial events to come will be qualitatively different from those that have already happened.

The New York Times

But subtract the technology, and you see that the early Gibson books were founded on the idea that the information age would be qualitatively different from the ones that preceded it and that the data-driven society was going to be anything but benign.

The New York Times

Evaluation findings based on users' design feedback can be qualitatively different from, and hence complement, findings based on other types of evaluation data.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

The electronic basis for the observed metastability of the cubic Co2NiGa austenite is found to be qualitatively different from that observed in other ferromagnetic SMAs, especially Ni2MnGa.

Acta Materialia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

What Tucker argues is that Semenya's "difference" is qualitatively different from Bolt's "difference".

The New Yorker

However pool boiling of narrow horizontal tubes (4 and 6.5 mm diameter) is qualitatively different from the large diameter tubes due to difference in bubble sliding mechanism.

International Journal of Multiphase Flow

It is possible that the enrolled patients were qualitatively different from those not enrolled, and that these difference may have impacted our results.

Critical Care

Fully differentiated cells are qualitatively different from one another.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Learning this was qualitatively different from learning that Toto got safely home to Kansas.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be qualitatively different from" when you want to emphasize that the differences are not just in quantity or degree, but in the fundamental nature or characteristics.

Common error

Avoid using "be qualitatively different from" when you actually mean a quantitative difference. For example, don't say "The temperature is qualitatively different" when you mean "The temperature is significantly higher".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be qualitatively different from" functions as a comparative descriptor, emphasizing that the items being compared possess distinct characteristics or qualities, not just variations in quantity or degree. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be qualitatively different from" is a grammatically correct and useful expression to indicate distinctions in the inherent nature or characteristics of compared subjects, rather than just in quantity or degree. Based on Ludwig AI examples, it's commonly used in science and news media to highlight significant differences. When writing, ensure to differentiate qualitative from quantitative differences, and opt for synonyms like "differ in essence from" or "be fundamentally dissimilar to" when appropriate to avoid repetition or add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show qualitative variations from

Highlights that differences are in type, not just amount.

represent a different kind of

Indicates a difference in category or type rather than degree.

differ in essence from

This alternative emphasizes a difference in the core nature or fundamental characteristics.

be fundamentally dissimilar to

Highlights a basic lack of resemblance or similarity.

embody a disparate nature to

Emphasizes the inherently different character or essence.

contrast sharply with

Emphasizes a strong and noticeable difference.

bear no resemblance to

Stresses a complete lack of similarity in any aspect.

stand in stark contrast to

Focuses on an extreme level of difference.

markedly diverge from

Highlights a significant departure or deviation.

exhibit distinct disparities from

Focuses on clear and noticeable differences.

FAQs

How can I use "be qualitatively different from" in a sentence?

You can use "be qualitatively different from" to describe how something's essential characteristics distinguish it from something else. For example, "The experience of reading a physical book can "be qualitatively different from" reading an e-book".

What are some alternatives to "be qualitatively different from"?

Alternatives include phrases like "differ in essence from", "be fundamentally dissimilar to", or "contrast sharply with", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How does "be qualitatively different from" differ from "be quantitatively different from"?

"Be qualitatively different from" refers to differences in kind or characteristics, while "be quantitatively different from" refers to differences in amount or degree. For example, happiness and sadness are qualitatively different, while 5 and 10 are quantitatively different.

When is it appropriate to use "be qualitatively different from" instead of "be slightly different from"?

Use "be qualitatively different from" when the differences are fundamental and affect the core nature of something, rather than minor or superficial variations. If the differences are minor then a phrase like "be slightly different from" is more appropriate.