differed by

USAGE SUMMARY

'differed by' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to when something varies from something else. For example, "The height of the two buildings differed by three feet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Banking habits differed by region.

The New York Times

Once again, the trends differed by sex.

The Economist

The variants differed by four base pairs.

The Economist

The numbers differed by, at most, four seconds, he said.

The New York Times

The test scores released yesterday also differed by gender.

The New York Times

The mice had two types of mitochondria that differed by one letter of the genetic code.

The Guardian

The survey also found that responses differed by age.

The New York Times

Treatment differed by EF.

The American Journal of Cardiology

These rates differed by about 13%.

Science Magazine

Indicator taxa differed by monitoring year.

Ecological Processes

Injury severity differed by SAFE participant status.

Injury Epidemiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "differed by" to clearly indicate the extent of variation between comparable items or data points. Ensure the items being compared are explicitly stated for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "differed by" without specifying what is being compared. For example, instead of saying 'The results differed by a large margin', specify 'The results between Group A and Group B differed by a large margin'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differed by" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, typically indicating the extent or degree of difference between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "differed by" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to quantify the difference between two or more entities. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. To enhance clarity, ensure that the items being compared are explicitly stated. Alternatives include "varied by" and "diverged by", each with slightly different nuances. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively and accurately use "differed by" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

varied by

This term indicates a change or deviation, similar to differing, but can also imply fluctuation.

diverged by

This suggests a more significant deviation or separation over time or in characteristics.

deviated by

Emphasizes a departure from a standard or expected norm.

contrasted by

Highlights the differences between two or more things when compared.

distinguished by

Focuses on the unique characteristics that set something apart.

separated by

This highlights the space or characteristic that exists between 2 entities.

departed by

Indicates a divergence, often in opinion or behavior, from a previous course.

discriminated by

Suggests a difference that is based on a specific criteria or variable.

dissented by

Implies a difference in opinion or belief.

marked by a distinction of

This highlights a clear and noticeable difference, often of importance.

FAQs

How do I use "differed by" in a sentence?

Use "differed by" to show the extent of a difference between two or more items. For instance, "The two reports "differed by" 10 pages" or "The twins' heights "differed by" only an inch".

What are some alternatives to "differed by"?

Alternatives include "varied by", "diverged by", or "contrasted by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "differed by" or "was different by"?

"Differed by" is generally more concise and stylistically preferable, especially in formal writing. "Was different by" isn't incorrect, but it is less direct.

In what contexts is "differed by" most appropriate?

"Differed by" is suitable for various contexts, including scientific reports, news articles, and general writing, wherever there's a need to quantify or specify a difference between two things. Contexts are not restrictive but consider the best alternatives depending on them.