differ solely on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "differ solely on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more things are different only in a specific aspect or characteristic. Example: "The two models differ solely on their color options, with one available in blue and the other in red."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We report summary statistics (see methods) for three comparisons: the published Isaac et al. transformation vs. the published IUCN transformation (both scaled to a 100 year window); the Isaac et al. transformation vs. the arbitrary pessimistic transformation; and two transformations that differ solely on the time-window used: IUCN50 vs. IUCN500.

Plosone

The ancestral genotype in LTNP-VC could have prognostic value; but the limited number of individuals in this group, that differ solely on the basis of viral dating, does not allow for greater precision on whether the split within this category will be of clinical consequence.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Among surface antigens tested, pMSC and aMSC differed solely for expression of CD36.

Plosone

Hence, bootstrap samples differ solely by the imputed values.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

We differ only on pace and scale.

The New York Times

Strong evidence for disassortative mating based on MHC is provided by studies of inbred mouse lines differing solely in their MHC genotypes [ 84- 86].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

However, caterpillars used in our feeding trials were reared in the lab from eggs on a nutritionally complete diet and fed nutritionally equivalent test foods that differed solely in the presence of plant extracts.

Plosone

Unfortunately the pathway score is weighted by classic Hypergeometric enrichment analysis (HGA) and the authors do not discuss how results differ based solely on intra-pathway connectivity.

BMC Systems Biology

They differ on one big issue.

The New York Times

Communities differ not solely due to funding but also the norms that bind them.

The Guardian - Opinion

The aphid species used are both common pests of bean plants, but differ in host-plant breadth (one feeding solely on legumes and the other is polyphagous, feeding on multiple plant families).

BMC Ecology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "differ solely on" to precisely highlight the single differentiating factor between otherwise similar items or concepts, enhancing clarity and focus in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "differ solely on" when there are other subtle differences. Ensure a thorough analysis to confirm that the stated factor is truly the only point of divergence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ solely on" functions as a comparative connector, highlighting the specific aspect in which two or more entities diverge. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig show this phrase clarifying differences based on features, values, or conditions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "differ solely on" is a phrase used to precisely identify the singular aspect that distinguishes two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Though relatively rare, its primary function is to clarify differences within scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the specified factor is indeed the only point of divergence to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading the reader. Consider alternatives such as "differ only in" for similar applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ only in

Focuses on the single point of difference, using 'only' instead of 'solely'.

vary exclusively in

Highlights the uniqueness of the difference with 'exclusively'.

differ uniquely on

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the single difference.

differ singularly in

Indicates that the difference exists in a single, isolated aspect.

contrast solely on

Highlights the contrasting nature of the single difference.

hinge solely on

Implies that the distinction and outcome depend entirely on this single factor.

turn exclusively on

Suggests the focus is entirely on one specific variable.

rest solely on

Implies that the whole matter depends only on the aspect specified.

depend exclusively on

Emphasizes that the items' divergence is rooted exclusively in this point.

relate solely to

Indicates that the relation between two things is limited to one specific aspect.

FAQs

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

Use "differ solely on" to indicate the only aspect that sets two or more things apart. For example, "The two models "differ solely on" their color options" indicates that color is the only difference.

What are some alternatives to "differ solely on"?

Alternatives include "differ only in", "vary exclusively in", or "depend exclusively on" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "differ solely based on"?

While understandable, "differ solely based on" can be slightly redundant. "Differ solely on" is generally more concise and grammatically sound. If you need to emphasize the basis of the difference, consider rephrasing for clarity.

What's the difference between "differ solely on" and "differ significantly on"?

"Differ solely on" emphasizes a single, specific point of difference. "Differ significantly on" implies that the difference is substantial and potentially involves multiple factors, indicating a broader divergence.