differ to

USAGE SUMMARY

"differ to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a distinction between two things, such as "The flavor of these apples differs to those oranges."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How does your approach differ to London-based thinktanks?

The Guardian

As to what followed, accounts differ to this day.

The New Yorker

Cultural, religious and gender expectations of parents also often differ to those of their children's.

The Guardian - Opinion

But how would this scheme differ to the patrols and arrests that Egypt already makes?

The Guardian - Opinion

Does the relationship we have in the studio differ to the one we have outside?

The Guardian - Arts

It looks at how structures in tall buildings differ to those in domes.

The Guardian

Films vary, and directors' approaches may differ to some extent, but the craft of filmmaking is well defined.

The New York Times

You've played for Kansas City Wizards and Sporting Lisbon – how do other leagues differ to Indian ones?

The Guardian

For now, given the historic practice of licensing content by geographic territories, the TV shows and movies we offer differ, to varying degrees, by territory.

The Guardian - Tech

The criteria differ to those for party election broadcasts, which are based on the number of candidates a party has put forward.

The Guardian

And that is perhaps where Glasgow now differ to sides of the past who produced great one-off triumphs but could not back it up.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "differ to", ensure clarity by specifying the subjects being compared and the aspects in which they differ. This enhances the sentence's precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "differ to" with "differ from". While both indicate differences, "differ to" often implies differences in degree or extent, or differences when compared against something else. "Differ from" is a more general term for any difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ to" primarily functions as a phrasal verb used to indicate that two or more things are not the same. The examples, as seen in Ludwig, highlight its use in various contexts to show distinctions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "differ to" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrasal verb that serves to highlight differences between various subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in formal writing, scientific contexts, news, and business communication. Although often interchanged with "differ from", it often implies differences in degree or when compared against something else. The examples gathered by Ludwig demonstrate its prevalence across numerous authoritative sources, indicating its common usage and acceptance in both academic and general writing. When using the phrase, ensure you specify the subjects being compared to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity. For alternative expressions, consider using phrases such as "vary from", "contrast with", or "deviate from" to refine the nuance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vary from

Highlights differences in characteristics or qualities.

diverge from

Stresses a branching out or separation in direction or opinion.

deviate from

Emphasizes a departure from a standard or norm.

contrast with

Focuses on direct opposition or dissimilarity.

stand apart from

Implies a distinct and noticeable difference.

be at variance with

Indicates disagreement or incompatibility.

bear little resemblance to

Indicates a lack of similarity or likeness.

present a contrast to

Emphasizes the act of showing a difference.

show discrepancies with

Highlights inconsistencies or disagreements.

part ways with

Suggests a divergence in opinion, practice or strategy.

FAQs

How is "differ to" used in a sentence?

Use "differ to" to show how things are not the same, often implying a variation in degree or aspect. For example, "The sleep needs of full time dancers "differ to" those of the general population".

Is it correct to use "differ to" in formal writing?

Yes, "differ to" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, and professional contexts where precise comparisons are necessary. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

What are some alternatives to "differ to"?

You can use alternatives like "vary from", "contrast with", or "deviate from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "differ from" instead of "differ to"?

"Differ from" is generally used to indicate a general difference between two things, while "differ to" highlights differences in degree or when compared against something else. If you're simply stating that two things are not the same, "differ from" is often more appropriate. However, both are often interchangeably, resulting in grammatical correctness of the query.