differ somewhat from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "differ somewhat from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two or more things that are not exactly the same but have some similarities or variations. Example: "The results of the study differ somewhat from the initial hypothesis, indicating a need for further research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Our cohort was limited to patients enrolled in an integrated, managed-care system, where diabetes care may differ somewhat from that provided in other settings.

Diabetes Care

Exactly what happens in mammalian PNS and CNS axons may differ somewhat from this picture, and there could be differences between central and peripheral axons.

Experimental Neurology

But the differences that set it apart mean that the avenues of treatment may differ somewhat from those typically associated with behavioral — and substance — addictions.

The New Yorker

The tabulations, therefore, may differ somewhat from figures published by the Department of Finance.

The New York Times

The accusations by Ms. Bialek differ somewhat from those made anonymously by other women.

The New York Times

Its wares are safe, reliable and tastefully displayed, though they differ somewhat from those on offer in Arkansas.

The Economist

Not only do they say that his rulings often differ somewhat from what lawyers expected, but they also describe him as a judge very comfortable with gray areas.

The New York Times

He said BIO planned to come up with its own proposals for Medicare reimbursement that might differ somewhat from that of the pharmaceutical industry.

The New York Times

The stage production will differ somewhat from the movie, Mr. Mackintosh said, with new songs and several new stories from the books.

The New York Times

Since Brazil does not need to import large amounts of oil or food, its plans in Africa differ somewhat from other countries seeking greater influence there.

The New York Times

The waveforms recorded with primary disease of muscles differ somewhat from those that occur when the muscles are deprived of motor innervation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "differ somewhat from" to accurately convey a nuanced comparison where items share similarities but have noticeable, albeit small, distinctions. This avoids overstating differences and maintains precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "differ somewhat from" when the differences are significant or substantial. Using it in such cases can mislead the reader and undermine the accuracy of your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ somewhat from" functions as a comparative expression, indicating that two or more entities share similarities but possess slight distinctions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "differ somewhat from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying subtle distinctions between similar entities. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It is most prevalent in scientific and news media contexts, indicating a broad applicability across various registers. Related phrases include "vary slightly from" and "are slightly different from", offering alternative ways to express minor variations. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the differences are indeed minor to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vary slightly from

Indicates a minor degree of difference, focusing on variation.

are slightly different from

Emphasizes the small degree of difference between two things.

deviate marginally from

Implies a minimal departure from a norm or standard.

diverge subtly from

Highlights the understated nature of the difference.

are subtly distinct from

Focuses on the delicate distinctions that exist.

contrast marginally with

Suggests a slight contrast rather than a major opposition.

are not entirely the same as

Highlights that there are discrepancies without specifying their extent.

present minor variations compared to

Draws attention to small changes or alterations.

show a slight divergence from

Highlights the act of moving away in a slightly different direction.

bear a resemblance, but not identically to

Acknowledges similarities while also highlighting differences.

FAQs

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

Use "differ somewhat from" to indicate that two or more things are similar but have small, noticeable differences. For example: "The new model's features "differ somewhat from" the previous version, offering enhanced usability."

What are some alternatives to "differ somewhat from"?

You can use alternatives like "vary slightly from", "are slightly different from", or "deviate marginally from" depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "differ somewhat from" in formal writing?

Yes, "differ somewhat from" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and clear way to express that there are minor differences between things being compared.

What's the difference between "differ somewhat from" and "differ significantly from"?

"Differ somewhat from" implies small, subtle differences, while "differ significantly from" indicates major, substantial differences. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the difference you're describing.