differ enormously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "differ enormously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe significant differences between two or more subjects or entities. Example: "The two cultures differ enormously in their traditions and values."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

> That blocks generated from the same data by different tools may differ enormously is due mostly to the lack of a formal definition for SBs: with no verifiable constraints and no measurable optimality criterion, one cannot meaningfully compare two collections of SBs for the same data.

Bioinformatics

The length of the telomeres can only be estimated roughly since it is known from investigation of 5 different Tetrahymena species that the composition and length of mitochondrial telomeres can differ enormously [ 11, 12].

BMC Genomics

Stroke is a brain injury so the long-term effects can differ enormously depending on which part of the brain was damaged.

The Guardian

These organisms differ enormously in size, ranging from less than 0.5 micrometre (0.00002 inch) to greater than 1 metre (3.28 feet).

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the suspicion must be that many of these high achieving students were simply unaware that the experience and benefits of going to university differ enormously from one institution to another.

The Guardian

Compared with what acquiring banks would have to pay, the scope for cost savings is limited: products, regulations and taxes still differ enormously from one European country to the next.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Prices for national coverage differed enormously depending on how the licences were combined, notes Simon Wilkie, an economist at the University of Southern California.

The Economist

Even at the level of craft skills, groups have differed enormously, as they have in urbanization.

Forbes

The answer to these questions differs enormously between countries.

Huffington Post

American officers serving under Pulaski had difficulty taking orders from a foreigner who could scarcely speak English and whose ideas of discipline and tactics differed enormously from those to which they were accustomed.

Wikipedia

Malaria transmission differs enormously throughout Tanzania [35] with the majority of the country being moderate and low transmission.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "differ enormously", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared and why the difference is significant. Provide specific details to illustrate the extent of the difference.

Common error

Avoid using "differ enormously" when the actual difference is subtle or marginal. Ensure the evidence supports a substantial disparity to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ enormously" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a state of significant dissimilarity between two or more entities. It emphasizes the extent to which things are unlike, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "differ enormously" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey significant dissimilarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable in written English and applicable across various contexts, notably in scientific and news-related content. While its semantic weight suggests a substantial difference, it's important to avoid exaggeration. The phrase has several effective alternatives, such as "vary significantly" and "differ substantially", offering writers flexibility in their choice of wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vary significantly

Replaces "enormously" with "significantly", emphasizing the importance of the difference.

differ substantially

Uses "substantially" to highlight a considerable degree of difference.

contrast sharply

Focuses on the sharp contrast between the subjects, suggesting a clear distinction.

diverge widely

Emphasizes the broad range of divergence or deviation.

are markedly different

Highlights the distinctiveness of the subjects, indicating a noticeable difference.

differ considerably

Employs "considerably" to convey a noteworthy difference.

are vastly different

Uses "vastly" to accentuate the extensive nature of the difference.

differ inordinately

Substitutes "enormously" with "inordinately", indicating an excessive or disproportionate difference.

show considerable variation

Shifts the focus to variation, implying that the subjects display significant differences across a spectrum.

exhibit extreme differences

Highlights that differences are at the highest degree.

FAQs

What does "differ enormously" mean?

The phrase "differ enormously" means that two or more things are very different from each other in a significant way. It implies a large degree of variation or dissimilarity.

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

You can use "differ enormously" to describe significant distinctions. For example: "The long-term effects of a stroke "differ enormously" depending on which part of the brain was damaged."

What are some alternatives to "differ enormously"?

Alternatives to "differ enormously" include "vary significantly", "differ substantially", or "contrast sharply". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "differ enormously"?

While grammatically correct, "differ enormously" should be used when there is a genuine and significant difference between the subjects being compared. Avoid using it if the differences are minor or overstated.