differed from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "differed from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a distinction or variation between two or more things. Example: "Her opinion differed from mine on the matter of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But their stories also differed from mine.

The New York Times

One name differed from the others.

The New Yorker

But his version differed from Mr. Wiese's.

The New York Times

Again, the reality differed from the narrative.

The Guardian

Illinois differed from many other states in one crucial respect.

The New York Times

Our skin color differed from theirs, and this prompted mockery.

The Guardian - Opinion

Where he differed from his contemporaries was how.

The Guardian - Opinion

But their approach differed from that of previous researchers.

The Guardian - Business

Ms. Kingsley's description of the embezzlement differed from the organization's.

The New York Times

However, enantiornithines differed from modern birds in significant ways.

The Guardian

But what was heard differed from what was said.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "differed from", ensure you clearly identify both subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The first draft differed from the final version in tone and structure."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "differed". The correct form is "differed from". Saying "differed than" or "differed to" is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differed from" functions as a verb phrase indicating a distinction or divergence between two or more entities. Ludwig examples showcase its use in comparing opinions, versions, and approaches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

37%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "differed from" is a versatile phrase used to indicate distinctions between entities or concepts. Grammatically sound and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in various contexts like news, science, and general writing. While "differed from" is widely accepted, remember to use it correctly and avoid common errors such as using "differed than". Consider using alternatives such as "varied from" or "diverged from" for stylistic variation. Ludwig examples demonstrate the phrase's broad applicability and correct usage across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

varied from

Expresses a distinction or deviation, similar to "differed from", but often implies a range of possibilities rather than a specific point of divergence.

diverged from

Indicates a branching out or moving in a different direction, suggesting a more significant separation than "differed from".

deviated from

Implies a departure from a standard, norm, or expected path, adding a nuance of irregularity absent in "differed from".

contrasted with

Highlights the differences between two things, emphasizing their opposing qualities more directly than "differed from".

was distinct from

Emphasizes the uniqueness and clear separation between two entities, adding a sense of individuality.

departed from

Suggests a formal or intentional divergence, implying a deliberate choice to move away from something.

stood apart from

Highlights the separation and individuality of something, implying a more significant distinction than "differed from".

showed a discrepancy with

Focuses on the inconsistency or disagreement between two things, emphasizing the lack of alignment.

bore little resemblance to

Indicates a significant lack of similarity, suggesting a substantial divergence in appearance or nature.

was at odds with

Implies a conflict or opposition between two things, highlighting their incompatibility.

FAQs

How can I use "differed from" in a sentence?

"Differed from" is used to show a contrast or distinction between two or more things. For example, "His opinion "differed from" hers on the matter."

What are some alternatives to "differed from"?

You can use alternatives like "varied from", "diverged from", or "was distinct from" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "differed than" instead of "differed from"?

No, "differed than" is generally considered incorrect. The correct preposition to use with "differed" is "from". Therefore, you should always use ""differed from"".

What is the difference between ""differed from"" and "departed from"?

"Differed from" simply indicates a difference, while "departed from" implies a more significant or intentional deviation from a standard or norm.