differ substantially from

USAGE SUMMARY

'differ substantially from' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing two different things that have some major differences between them. Example: The two houses differ substantially from each other in terms of size, location, and amenities.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But my view appears to differ substantially from Cameron".

The Guardian

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

Furthermore, they are only averages that differ substantially from the experiences of individual companies.

The New York Times

Detailed analysis of the cut marks on the bones show they differ substantially from tooth and claw marks that can be left by predators.

The Guardian

The French proposals are not only more modest, but also differ substantially from the Germans in how they apportion the cuts.

The New York Times

But the demographics of the program differ substantially from your average book club, which is disproportionately white and even more disproportionately female and middle-class.

The New York Times - Books

Ofcom has been consulting the industry for nearly six months but it is unlikely the final rules will differ substantially from those outlined in the summer.

The Guardian

These differ substantially from those reported in Table 1.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

The measured transition frequencies differ substantially from simple theoretical predictions.

Science Magazine

Interprovincial migrant locations also differ substantially from those of Canadian born non-migrants.

IZA Journal of Migration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "differ substantially from", ensure that you provide specific details about the aspects in which the subjects differ. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument or description.

Common error

Avoid using "differ substantially from" vaguely. Instead of saying "Their opinions differ substantially", specify the context and degree of difference: "Their opinions on economic policy differ substantially, with one favoring deregulation and the other advocating for stronger government intervention."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ substantially from" functions as a comparative verb phrase. It's used to indicate that two or more items or concepts are notably different from each other. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "differ substantially from" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize significant differences between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. As indicated by Ludwig's examples, the phrase is particularly common in science, news media, and formal business contexts, reflecting its suitability for academic, professional, and journalistic writing. When using "differ substantially from", it's important to quantify or specify the differences to enhance clarity. Alternatives include phrases like "vary significantly from" and "contrast sharply with", which offer similar nuances. By understanding its usage and alternatives, writers can effectively convey the magnitude of differences in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vary significantly from

Emphasizes the variation or degree of change between two or more items.

contrast sharply with

Highlights the contrast or clear difference between compared subjects.

deviate markedly from

Stresses the deviation or departure from a norm or standard.

diverge considerably from

Focuses on the divergence or the splitting off and moving in different directions.

differ noticeably from

Highlights that differences are easily observed and apparent.

bear little resemblance to

Indicates a minimal degree of similarity between items.

show a wide disparity with

Indicates a significant gap or inequality between the subjects.

represent a departure from

Indicates a notable change or shift away from a previous state or approach.

stand in stark contrast to

Emphasizes a highly noticeable and clear difference.

are quite dissimilar to

Indicates that the items in comparison are notably different.

FAQs

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

You can use "differ substantially from" to highlight significant differences between two or more things. For example: "The climate in the north "differs substantially from" the climate in the south."

What are some alternative phrases for "differ substantially from"?

Alternatives include phrases like "vary significantly from", "contrast sharply with", or "deviate markedly from", each emphasizing the magnitude of difference.

Is it better to say "differ substantially from" or "differ slightly from"?

The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to convey. Use "differ substantially from" when the differences are significant and noteworthy. Use "differ slightly from" when the differences are minor or subtle.

What's the difference between "differ substantially from" and "differ slightly from"?

"Differ substantially from" indicates major, significant differences, while "differ slightly from" implies minor, subtle variations. The adverb modifies the degree of difference between the compared items.