differ with

USAGE SUMMARY

'differ with' is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a disagreement or difference of opinion with someone or something. It is similar to 'disagree with', but 'differ with' often implies a more respectful or polite disagreement. Example: He differs with his colleagues on the best approach to solving the problem. Another example: The students differed with their teacher's decision to cancel the field trip.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Have him differ with me.

The Guardian

I differ with this assessment.

The New York Times

I differ with some of their beliefs.

The New York Times

I beg to differ with the column.

The New York Times

Reasonable people may differ with these decisions.

The New York Times

But, where do you differ with him?

The New York Times

We beg to differ with Claire.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I beg to differ with Mr. Wright.

The New York Times

"I beg to differ with that assessment".

The New York Times

Warner, of course, begs to differ with Fox.

The New York Times

Mr. Mandela did differ with Mr. Mbeki on some points.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "differ with", consider the context. Is it a formal debate, a casual conversation, or a written argument? Adjust your tone accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "differ with" in overly casual settings where simpler alternatives like "disagree" are more appropriate. Overusing it can make your speech sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differ with" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating disagreement or divergence in opinion. It is often used to express a respectful dissent, as shown in Ludwig's examples where individuals "beg to differ with" or simply "differ with" various assessments or beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "differ with" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate disagreement or a difference in opinion. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, especially in news, science, and business settings. While "differ with" can be used broadly, it is often chosen to convey a more respectful or formal tone than simply "disagree". For alternative ways to express disagreement, consider phrases such as ""disagree with"", "beg to differ with", or "take issue with". Remember to select the phrase that best fits the specific context and desired level of formality. Be aware that overusing "differ with" in very casual conversations might sound too formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disagree with

Emphasizes a direct opposition or disagreement in opinion.

beg to differ with

A more polite and formal way to express disagreement.

take issue with

Highlights a specific point of contention or disagreement.

dissent from

Suggests a more formal or official disagreement, often in a group setting.

hold a different view

Indicates a differing perspective or opinion on a subject.

not be in accordance with

Expresses a lack of agreement or alignment with something.

not share the same opinion

Simply states that there is a difference in opinion.

have a contrary opinion

Highlights that the opinion is opposite or contrasting.

part ways on

Indicates disagreement on a specific issue, often implying a separation in viewpoints.

contradict

Directly opposes or refutes a statement or idea.

FAQs

What does "differ with" mean?

"Differ with" means to disagree with someone or something. It implies holding a different opinion or perspective.

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

You can use "differ with" to express disagreement respectfully, such as: "I "disagree with" his approach, but I respect his dedication."

Which is correct, "differ with" or "differ from"?

"Differ with" is used when disagreeing with a person or opinion, while "differ from" is used to describe something that is different in nature. For example, "I "disagree with" his opinion" vs. "This approach differs from the standard method."

What are some alternatives to "differ with"?

Some alternatives include ""disagree with"", "beg to differ with", or "take issue with" depending on the desired level of formality.