can be different from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be different from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that one thing may not be the same as another. Example: "The results of the experiment can be different from what we initially expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Like, your life can be different from others.

The New York Times

All the perturbations can be different from each other.

Applied Mathematics and Computation

What I say about them can be different from that fantasy, and people don't like that.

The Guardian - Film

And the way the drug part looks can be different from benefit plan to benefit plan.

The New York Times

What suggests that behaviors or outcomes can be different from what they have been?

Harvard Business Review

We're teaching them that life can be different from what they've had.

Stanford University

Mitigating risks in emerging markets can be different from those in advanced markets.

Cornell University

But the style can be different from what one would see in Japan.

Independent

"The offers they get can be different from provider to provider," he said.

The New York Times

"The case definition in one report can be different from the case definition in another," Dr. Van Poznak said.

The New York Times - Health

Counterfeiters, in contrast, operate illegally for profit, and the contents of the fake drugs can be different from the originals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be different from" to clearly express that variations or distinctions are possible, especially when comparing options, methods, or perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "different" excessively in a single paragraph. Vary your language by using synonyms like "distinct", "varied", or "unique" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be different from" functions as a comparative connector, indicating that two or more entities or concepts may possess distinct characteristics or outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely applicable in various contexts to express potential variance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be different from" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate a potential dissimilarity between two or more things. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability and grammatical correctness. It functions as a comparative connector, suitable for various contexts ranging from scientific and academic to news media and general conversation. While synonyms like "may diverge from" or "might vary from" offer nuanced alternatives, the core function of highlighting potential variance remains consistent. Remember to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity and overuse the term “different” in your writing. This phrase serves as a valuable tool for effective communication across diverse registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may diverge from

Emphasizes a deviation or branching off from a common point or standard.

could deviate from

Highlights a potential departure from an expected course or norm.

might vary from

Suggests a possible range of differences, implying a spectrum of potential variations.

may contrast with

Draws attention to distinct differences when compared side-by-side.

might be dissimilar to

Formally indicates a lack of resemblance or likeness.

may not resemble

Directly states a lack of similarity in appearance or characteristics.

could stand apart from

Highlights a unique or distinct quality that separates something from others.

might not align with

Implies a lack of agreement or correspondence.

could be at odds with

Suggests a conflict or opposition between two things.

may bear no resemblance to

Strongly emphasizes a complete absence of similarity.

FAQs

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

Use "can be different from" to indicate a potential dissimilarity between two or more things. For example, "The outcome of the experiment "can be different from" the predicted results."

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

Alternatives include "may diverge from", "might vary from", or "could deviate from" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what "can be different from" something else?

While not always grammatically required, providing context for what the subject "can be different from" enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity. Omission is acceptable only when the context is abundantly clear to the reader.

What's the difference between "can be different from" and "is different from"?

"Can be different from" indicates a possibility or potential for difference, while "is different from" states a definite difference. For example, "The approach "can be different from" the standard method" suggests a possible alternative, while "The approach is different from the standard method" asserts a confirmed divergence.