differ in

USAGE SUMMARY

"differ in" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more things that are not the same. Example: The two books differ in their content.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How does your working style differ in these different settings?

Vice

Stars differ in colour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Experts differ in their opinions.

The New Yorker

These differ in every country.

The Guardian

We differ in that approach.

The Guardian

Flours differ in their absorbency.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet gamers differ in their individual needs.

The Economist

Finally, muscles differ in their metabolism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Coleoptera larvae differ in appearance from adults.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Organs differ in their susceptibility to damage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They differ in their methods of slaughter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "differ in", ensure that you clearly specify the aspect or characteristic in which the subjects differ to provide clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "differ on" when referring to differences in attributes or characteristics; "differ in" is more appropriate for these contexts. Reserve "differ on" for disagreements or opinions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ in" functions as a verb phrase, specifically indicating a point of variance or distinction between two or more entities. It is used to highlight a specific characteristic or attribute where entities are not alike. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples illustrating differences in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "differ in" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to express differences in specific aspects or characteristics between two or more entities. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage through numerous examples across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. To ensure clarity in your writing, specify the aspect in which the subjects differ. Remember to use "differ in" for differences in attributes and "differ on" for differences in opinions. Ludwig's analysis confirms its versatile application and neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vary in

Focuses on the range or degree of difference regarding a specific aspect.

contrast in

Highlights the differences by comparing distinct characteristics.

diverge in

Emphasizes a deviation or branching out in a particular manner.

disagree on

Indicates a difference of opinion or perspective about a specific subject.

are dissimilar in

Highlights the distinct characteristics that make things unlike each other.

show differences in

Focuses on displaying or revealing the variations between items.

exhibit variations in

Stresses that items display diverse forms or instances regarding something.

lack uniformity in

Indicates that items do not have a consistent or standard characteristic.

present a distinction in

Emphasizes that a clear differentiation is noticeable.

stand apart in

Highlights the unique characteristics that set something apart from others.

FAQs

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

Use "differ in" to indicate that two or more things are not the same in a specific aspect. For example: "The two models "differ in" their fuel efficiency."

What is a synonym for "differ in"?

Alternatives for "differ in" include "vary in", "contrast in", or "diverge in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "differ on" instead of "differ in"?

While both phrases exist, "differ on" typically refers to differences in opinion, whereas "differ in" describes differences in characteristics or attributes. Using "differ on" would be appropriate when describing differing opinions.

Which is correct, "differ in opinion" or "differ on opinion"?

The correct phrase is "differ on opinion", as "on" is typically used to indicate a specific subject of disagreement. Using "differ in" is more suitable for describing differences in attributes or characteristics.