completely different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely different" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when contrasting two things that are different in every way. For example, "My experience at the restaurant was completely different from my experience at the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"No, no, completely different.

Independent

Someone completely different".

Independent

"He's completely different.

The New Yorker

It's completely different.

The New Yorker

"Completely different area".

The New York Times - Sports

They're just completely different.

The New Yorker

Philip was completely different".

The New Yorker

Yahoo was completely different.

The New York Times - Tech

"This is completely different".

The New York Times - Health

"It's something completely different.

The Guardian

A completely different tour".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely different" to emphasize a stark contrast. This phrase is most effective when highlighting fundamental differences between two subjects or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "completely different" when a simpler adjective like "different" or "distinct" would suffice. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely different" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a significant contrast. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English. It emphasizes the magnitude of the difference between two things, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely different" is a versatile and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to emphasize a significant contrast between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, and the numerous examples demonstrate its frequent use in news and media. While alternatives like "entirely dissimilar" or "radically distinct" exist, "completely different" offers a straightforward and widely understood way to highlight fundamental differences. Be mindful of overuse to maintain the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely dissimilar

Emphasizes the lack of resemblance between two things.

totally unlike

Highlights the absence of similarity.

radically distinct

Stresses a significant and fundamental difference.

poles apart

Illustrates the extreme contrast between two things.

worlds away

Conveys a sense of vast divergence.

a far cry from

Indicates a significant deviation from something.

distinctly contrasting

Highlights the obvious contrast between two entities.

bear no resemblance

Expresses the total absence of shared qualities.

nothing alike

Simple expression of dissimilarity.

changed beyond recognition

Implies such a big change that is not possible to recognize the starting form anymore.

FAQs

How can I use "completely different" in a sentence?

You can use "completely different" to emphasize a stark contrast between two things. For example, "The movie was "completely different" from the book."

What are some alternatives to "completely different"?

Alternatives include "entirely dissimilar", "totally unlike", or "radically distinct" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "completely different"?

While "different" alone can suffice, adding "completely" emphasizes the magnitude of the difference. It's not inherently redundant, but use it judiciously for impact.

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

"Completely different" indicates a fundamental divergence, whereas "slightly different" suggests only minor variations. The choice depends on the degree of contrast you wish to highlight.