differ substantially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "differ substantially" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe two items that have significant differences between them. For example, you could say, "The 2018 model of the car differs substantially from the 2019 model in terms of its features and design."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The results did not differ substantially across the different sites in the TJRD study.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Rates may not differ substantially, he said, but even small differences can be meaningful when large amounts are involved.

The New York Times

He thinks they will differ substantially.

The Economist

But they differ substantially, one from another.

The Economist

The treatment methods differ substantially between Member States.

The Guardian

But my view appears to differ substantially from Cameron".

The Guardian

Beyond this they differ substantially, largely for historical reasons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As for risk-taking behavior, tobacco use did not differ substantially between the two groups.

The New York Times

However, their scenario for the adoption of the SDGs will differ substantially from the path developing countries have to take.

The Guardian

The cardinal also said he did not expect the final policy to differ substantially from the commission's proposals.

The New York Times

Their ranges (in the statistical sense) differ substantially.

Computational Social Networks

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "differ substantially" to highlight significant contrasts, avoiding its use when differences are minor or negligible.

Common error

Avoid using "differ substantially" when the variations are minor or insignificant. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ substantially" functions as a comparative descriptor, highlighting notable distinctions between subjects. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to emphasize significant differences, signaling that variations are more than just superficial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "differ substantially" is a versatile expression used to denote significant differences between two or more subjects. As evidenced by Ludwig's analysis, it's grammatically correct, frequently used, and applicable across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedic writing. While alternatives like ""differ significantly"" and ""vary considerably"" exist, "differ substantially" remains a reliable choice for emphasizing notable contrasts. However, be mindful of overstating differences and ensure clarity by specifying the aspects in which the subjects diverge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ significantly

Emphasizes the statistical or practical importance of the difference.

vary considerably

Highlights the extent of variation between items.

diverge markedly

Implies a noticeable deviation or separation.

contrast sharply

Focuses on the distinct opposition or dissimilarity.

are quite different

A more informal way to express substantial difference.

exhibit major differences

Highlights the importance and size of the differences.

show a clear distinction

Focuses on the clarity and recognizability of the difference.

present disparate characteristics

Highlights the differences in features or qualities.

bear little resemblance

Indicates a minimal similarity between the items.

are worlds apart

An idiomatic expression for extreme dissimilarity.

FAQs

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

Use "differ substantially" to indicate notable differences between two or more items. For example, "The findings of the two studies "differ substantially" in their conclusions about the effectiveness of the treatment."

What are some alternatives to "differ substantially"?

Alternatives include "differ significantly", "vary considerably", or "diverge markedly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both phrases are valid, but ""differ significantly"" often implies statistical or practical importance, while ""differ substantially"" simply emphasizes the degree of difference.

When should I avoid using "differ substantially"?

Avoid using ""differ substantially"" when describing minor or trivial differences. In such cases, use phrases like "differ slightly" or "are somewhat different".