difference from

USAGE SUMMARY

"difference from" is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two or more things and show how they are different from each other. For example, "The difference from when I was younger is that now I am better able to handle difficult situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's a major difference from past years.

The New York Times

What's the difference from the past?

The Economist

That's the difference from the 50's.

The New York Times

Also eliminated was God's difference from humanity.

The New Yorker

There is a big difference from Jerusalem.

The New York Times

What a difference from Mr. Swann's recital.

The New York Times - Arts

That's a big difference from last year".

The Guardian - Sport

"That's a big difference from last time".

The New York Times

What is the difference from Saddam?

The New York Times - Magazine

That's a critical difference from the past".

The New York Times

That was a difference from the last two Tests.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difference from", ensure the comparison is clear and the items being compared are explicitly stated. For example, instead of saying "There's a difference from before", specify "There's a difference from the previous year in sales figures".

Common error

Avoid using "difference from" without specifying what is being compared. For example, don't just say "It's a difference from last time"; instead, specify what aspect is different, such as "The attendance is a big difference from last time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difference from" functions as a prepositional phrase used to indicate a distinction or dissimilarity between two entities or states. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, facilitating comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difference from" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to highlight contrasts between two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific writing. When employing "difference from", ensure clarity by explicitly stating the items being compared to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "in contrast to" or "unlike" exist, "difference from" remains a standard and effective choice for indicating distinctions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in contrast to

Used to directly compare and highlight differences.

distinction from

Focuses on a clear and specific distinction, often in formal contexts.

unlike

A simple and direct way to point out differences.

contrast with

Highlights the differences when comparing two or more items.

deviation from

Emphasizes a departure from a standard or norm.

divergence from

Suggests a gradual separation or moving away from something.

departure from

Indicates a move away from a previous state or practice.

variance from

Highlights a slight difference or degree of change.

disparity with

Emphasizes a significant difference or inequality.

dissimilarity to

Focuses on the lack of resemblance between two things.

FAQs

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

Use "difference from" to highlight how something differs from something else. For example, "The key "distinction from" the previous model is its improved battery life."

What is a good alternative to "difference from"?

Alternatives include "in contrast to", "unlike", or "deviation from", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "different than" instead of "difference from"?

While "different than" is common in American English, "difference from" is generally preferred in British English and considered more formal. Both are acceptable, but context and audience should guide your choice.

What's the difference between "difference from" and "different from"?

"Different from" describes the state of being unlike, whereas "difference from" refers to the specific dissimilarity between two things. For example, "The new policy is different from the old one" versus "The main "contrast with" the old policy is its focus on sustainability."