differ significantly

USAGE SUMMARY

"differ significantly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when two things do not share many similarities, or when there is a noticeable difference between two things. For example: The research results for this experiment differ significantly from the results of the last experiment.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bars with different letters differ significantly, P < 0.001, bars with similar sign differ significantly, P = 0.0001.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

Even within the EU laws differ significantly.

The Guardian

The weather did not differ significantly.

The New York Times

The diets of the groups differ significantly.

Britannica

The satellites also differ significantly in composition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Heterozygotes did not differ significantly from controls.

Nature

Ratings did not differ significantly.

Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

The business models of the two differ significantly.

The New York Times

Certainly his style would differ significantly from Mr. Clinton's.

The New York Times - Books

Bots and humans differ significantly in their revert habits.

MIT Technology Review

Almost across the board, the statistics differ significantly from expectations.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "differ significantly" when you want to emphasize that the differences between two or more things are substantial and meaningful, not just minor variations.

Common error

Avoid using "differ significantly" as a generic intensifier. Ensure that the context clearly explains how and why the items being compared are significantly different to provide a meaningful comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ significantly" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, emphasizing the degree to which things are different. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English. The examples show its application in various fields, underscoring differences in data, opinions, or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "differ significantly" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize substantial differences. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It frequently appears in scientific, academic, and news contexts to highlight important disparities. When writing, remember to use this phrase to underscore meaningful differences rather than minor variations and ensure the context clarifies how and why the compared items differ. Consider alternatives like "vary significantly" or "contrast sharply" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ substantially

Emphasizes the magnitude or importance of the difference.

differ considerably

Suggests a difference that is quite large or significant in extent.

differ noticeably

Implies a difference that is easily observed or recognized.

differ markedly

Indicates a difference that is clearly apparent or distinct.

vary significantly

Highlights the variation as being substantial or noteworthy.

are notably different

Highlights that the differences are worthy of attention or recognition.

differ in important ways

Indicates that the differences have significant implications or effects.

contrast sharply

Focuses on the distinct and noticeable difference between two things.

diverge greatly

Emphasizes the act of moving in different directions or paths.

deviate substantially

Suggests a departure from a standard or norm that is considerable.

FAQs

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

You can use "differ significantly" to highlight substantial differences between two or more subjects. For example, "The results of the two studies "differ significantly", suggesting different methodologies."

What are some alternatives to "differ significantly"?

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

Is it better to say "differ significantly" or "differ greatly"?

Both "differ significantly" and "differ greatly" are correct, but "differ significantly" often implies a statistically or meaningfully important difference, while "differ greatly" simply emphasizes the magnitude of the difference.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "differ significantly"?

It is appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, news reports, and any situation where you need to clearly express that differences are not just minor but are substantial and noteworthy. It works well in scientific, analytical, and comparative contexts.