differ from

USAGE SUMMARY

"differ from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express the idea that two or more things are not the same. For example: "The two species of animals differ from each other in several important ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Poltergeists differ from mediums.

The New Yorker

The Beacons differ from Snowdonia differ from the Cambrian Mountains differ from the Preselis.

The Guardian - Books

These differ from flood zones.

The New York Times

The laws differ from place to place.

The New Yorker

Even emoticons differ from region to region.

The New York Times

Responses differ from country to country.

The Economist

*Elevation figures may differ from other sources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

How do Jews differ from other peoples?

The New Yorker

How do they differ from regular suits?

The Economist

Laws differ from city to city.

The New York Times

And how does it differ from tequila?

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "differ from", ensure that you clearly specify the aspects in which the subjects being compared are dissimilar. For example, "These models differ from each other in terms of functionality and cost."

Common error

Don't just say "This differs from that". Instead, be specific about how they differ to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "This method differs from the traditional approach in its efficiency and resource utilization."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ from" functions as a verb phrase indicating dissimilarity or variance between two or more entities. Ludwig confirms this usage as grammatically correct and common. The phrase helps to establish distinctions, as demonstrated across various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "differ from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating dissimilarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When employing "differ from", be specific about the points of difference to enhance clarity. For variety, alternatives like "vary from" or "contrast with" can be used. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively communicate distinctions and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vary from

Emphasizes variation or deviation between items.

diverge from

Suggests a more significant departure or separation.

contrast with

Highlights the differences when compared directly.

deviate from

Implies straying from a standard or norm.

stand apart from

Highlights distinction or uniqueness.

bear no resemblance to

Indicates a complete lack of similarity.

are dissimilar to

A formal way of expressing a lack of resemblance.

are distinct from

Emphasizes clear and recognizable differences.

are unlike

A simple and direct way to state differences.

set apart from

Indicates that something is unique or special compared to others.

FAQs

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

Use "differ from" to show how things are not the same, as in "The results of the two experiments "differ from" each other significantly".

What's the difference between "differ from" and "different than"?

While some use "different than", "differ from" is generally preferred in formal writing to indicate a distinction, as in "Their opinions "differ from" mine."

What is a synonym for the phrase "differ from"?

Alternatives to "differ from" include phrases like "vary from", "diverge from", or "contrast with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "differ from" considered formal or informal language?

"Differ from" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual speech, alternatives like "are not the same as" might be used.