completely different thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely different thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that two subjects or concepts are entirely distinct from one another. Example: "While both topics are interesting, they are actually a completely different thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"That's a completely different thing".

The New York Times

"Ebola is a completely different thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a completely different thing," she says.

The Guardian

It's a completely different thing to live it".

The New York Times

"But this time I'm coming for a completely different thing".

The Guardian - Arts

Perhaps you depend on him– a completely different thing.

Independent

"But setting up shop here is a completely different thing.

The New York Times

I think society expects a mother to be a completely different thing to a father".

The Guardian

It's a completely different thing to condemn an entire ethnic group".

The Guardian

"It's a completely different thing to what I've been doing," he says.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These are two completely different things.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "completely different thing", ensure the context clearly establishes the two items or concepts being compared to maximize the phrase's impact and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "completely different thing" when a simpler adjective like "different" or "distinct" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Save it for situations where you truly want to emphasize a significant difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely different thing" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a predicate nominative or object complement. It serves to strongly assert the dissimilarity between two subjects. Ludwig AI shows various examples where it's used to emphasize a sharp contrast, like differentiating between dependence and love, or training and racing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "completely different thing" is a versatile expression used to emphasize a strong contrast between two subjects or concepts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It's particularly prevalent in news media and scientific writing. While alternatives like "entirely distinct matter" and "totally distinct concept" exist, "completely different thing" provides a readily understandable way to highlight a significant divergence. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in the context to avoid ambiguity and consider simpler alternatives for situations where the contrast isn't so stark.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely distinct matter

This alternative emphasizes the separateness and lack of connection between two subjects. It highlights the notion that they should be treated as separate entities.

totally distinct concept

This phrase underscores that the two concepts being compared are unrelated and dissimilar in nature. It focuses on the conceptual divergence.

a whole new ballgame

This idiom suggests a situation has changed so significantly that previous rules and expectations no longer apply. It often implies a more complex or challenging scenario.

another kettle of fish

This idiom indicates that the subject at hand is entirely different from the one previously discussed. It implies a separate set of circumstances or considerations.

apples and oranges

This idiom highlights the impossibility of making a fair comparison between two fundamentally different things. It underscores their incommensurability.

a world apart

This phrase suggests a vast difference or separation between two things, emphasizing their disconnection and lack of similarity.

not in the same league

This implies one thing is much better than the other. There is no possible comparison between the two in terms of quality.

a different breed

This phrase characterizes a certain individual or an entire subject as totally unconventional and unlike others.

poles apart

This indicates two subjects are complete opposites or are extremely different from each other.

a far cry from

This expresses something is significantly different or falls short of initial expectation.

FAQs

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

You can use "completely different thing" to emphasize a contrast. For example, "While both topics are interesting, they are actually a "completely different thing"".

What can I say instead of "completely different thing"?

You can use alternatives like "entirely distinct matter", "totally distinct concept", or "a whole new ballgame" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "completely different thing"?

While "different thing" alone can convey the basic meaning, adding "completely" intensifies the contrast. It's not necessarily redundant if you want to strongly emphasize the distinction.

When is it appropriate to use the idiom "another kettle of fish" instead of "completely different thing"?

"Another kettle of fish" ("another kettle of fish") is appropriate when introducing a situation that not only differs but also presents a new set of problems or considerations. It implies a shift to a new and potentially more complicated scenario.