can differ from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can differ from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that one thing is not the same as another or that there are variations between them. Example: "The results of the experiment can differ from the expected outcomes due to various external factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Perception can differ from reality.

Biomedical Ethics for Engineers Ethics and Decision Making in Biomedical and Biosystem Engineering

Your BAH rate can differ from the standard MHA rate.

Harvard University

I find it fascinating how the perception of your speed can differ from reality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of course, views expressed in polls can differ from actual voter behavior.

The New York Times

There is some overlap, and regulations can differ from agency to agency.

The New York Times - Food

Results can differ from factory to factory, or even between lots in a single site.

The New York Times

Attitudes towards mental illness in the Jewish community can differ from those in the wider population.

The Guardian

The mental effects of anabolic steroids can differ from person to person.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(The cellular composition of cartilage, for example, can differ from tissue bank to tissue bank).

The New York Times

The recipe can differ from home to home and cook to cook.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And those rules can differ from company to company, although many try to make the process easy to understand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can differ from", ensure clarity by specifying the elements being compared and the aspects in which they diverge.

Common error

Avoid using "can differ from" without providing context or specific examples of the differences. This can lead to vagueness and confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can differ from" functions as a comparative expression, indicating that variations or dissimilarities are possible between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a standard and acceptable English construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can differ from" is a versatile expression used to denote potential variations or differences between entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. With origins spanning across Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business contexts, its frequency is very common. When using "can differ from", ensure to specify the items being compared and the aspects of divergence. Remember to avoid overgeneralization by providing context, and consider alternatives like "may vary from" or "might be distinct from" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may diverge from

Emphasizes a branching out or deviation in different directions.

might vary from

Suggests a possibility of change or fluctuation from a standard or norm.

could deviate from

Highlights a departure from an established path or expectation.

can diverge from

Similar to 'may diverge' but implies a capability of diverging.

may contrast with

Focuses on the differences when comparing two or more things.

might be distinct from

Indicates a clear and recognizable difference between two things.

can stand apart from

Suggests independence and uniqueness compared to something else.

could prove unlike

Indicates a potential for dissimilarity, often discovered over time.

might bear no resemblance to

Emphasizes a complete lack of similarity.

can prove dissimilar to

Highlights that something may show differences when observed over time.

FAQs

How can I use "can differ from" in a sentence?

You can use "can differ from" to indicate that two or more things are not the same. For example, "The taste of tap water "can differ from" bottled water".

What can I say instead of "can differ from"?

You can use alternatives like "may vary from", "might be distinct from", or "could deviate from" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "can differ from" or "can be different from"?

Both "can differ from" and "can be different from" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference. "Can differ from" is slightly more concise.

What's the difference between "can differ from" and "may vary from"?

"Can differ from" implies a possibility of divergence, while "may vary from" suggests that differences are likely and perhaps expected.