differ in terms of

USAGE SUMMARY

"differ in terms of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to compare or contrast the characteristics, features, or qualities of two or more things. Here is an example sentence: "The two products differ in terms of price, with Product A being more affordable than Product B."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These different approaches often differ in terms of the included dimensions of competence.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

There were also differences in how countries differ in terms of perceived feasibility and desirability.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

People differ in terms of how morally deserving they are.

Yale University

The two sets differ in terms of their molecular weights.

Polymer

How do Los Angeles and New York differ, in terms of readings?

The New York Times

How do the depictions differ in terms of composition and tone?

The New York Times

"Their personalities differ in terms of how immaculately they keep their burrows," Mason said.

The New Yorker

But they differ in terms of the ones on which they place greatest emphasis.

The New York Times

Groups did not differ in terms of syntactic errors (Supplementary Table 2).

Nature

They differ in terms of the shape and strength of temperature variations and the timing of cold and warm periods.

Nature

The three groups did not differ in terms of age, gender, and parental education (see Table 1).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "differ in terms of" to highlight specific aspects where items or concepts diverge, ensuring clarity in your comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "differ in terms of" repeatedly within a single paragraph. Vary your language with synonyms such as "vary with respect to" or "contrast regarding" to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ in terms of" functions as a prepositional phrase used for comparison. It highlights specific aspects or criteria in which two or more entities are not the same. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

18%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "differ in terms of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to highlight distinctions between items, concepts, or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common phrase across various writing registers. Predominantly used in scientific, news and media, and academic contexts, it serves to pinpoint specific differences. To maintain writing quality, avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "vary with respect to" to enhance readability. Using "differ in terms of" correctly ensures clarity and precision in comparative statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vary with respect to

This emphasizes a specific aspect or point of comparison that changes.

differ concerning

A more concise way to indicate differences on a specific topic.

diverge regarding

Focuses on a separation or deviation in a particular area.

contrast in relation to

Highlights the differences when considering a specific factor or viewpoint.

exhibit variations in

Highlights that there are changes or fluctuations in certain characteristics.

are distinct concerning

Emphasizes the clear and noticeable differences about a particular subject.

vary in the area of

Indicates a specific field or domain where differences are present.

show differences regarding

Directly points out that there are variations to be observed.

present differences regarding

Suggests that variations are being showcased or revealed.

are dissimilar when it comes to

A more informal way to express differences, suitable for less formal contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "differ in terms of" to compare two or more items by specifying the aspect in which they are not the same. For example, "The two proposals "differ in terms of" budget allocation".

What are some alternatives to "differ in terms of"?

You can use alternatives such as "vary with respect to", "contrast in relation to", or "diverge regarding" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "differ in term of" instead of "differ in terms of"?

No, the correct phrase is ""differ in terms of"". The plural "terms" is necessary because it refers to multiple aspects or conditions.

How does "differ in terms of" compare to "differ with respect to"?

"Differ in terms of" and "differ with respect to" are very similar and often interchangeable. However, "differ in terms of" might be slightly more common in general usage, while "differ with respect to" can sound more formal.