difference from the previous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difference from the previous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing something to a prior version or instance, highlighting how it varies from what came before. Example: "The difference from the previous model is significant, as it now includes advanced features and improved performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Passing a first-grade classroom where desks were arranged in pods of four, facing each other, she was struck by the difference from the previous year.

The New York Times

Several players said Fewell's ability to motivate them was a notable difference from the previous coordinator, Bill Sheridan, whom Fewell replaced in 2010.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're advising clients to vote against the new deal," Laurent Arnauts, a lawyer with the firm, said, "because in our opinion there is no significant difference from the previous offer".

The New York Times

The is a key difference from the previous developments being that this design used a PIN-diode switch in series with an additionally inserted inductor in parallel to one of the capacitors on the loop.

Journal of Magnetic Resonance

"I guess I don't see that the changes make much, if any, substantive difference from the previous version other than the word 'change' was removed and think any reader would recognize that the purpose of the page is to highlight issues regarding climate, including climate change, on workers," he wrote.

The Washington Post

Invoking "the Boss" at every turn was an effective tool to signal his difference from the previous regime and to highlight a return to the United Way but just as McTominay had to be more than just not-Pogba, so Solskjær has to be more than just not-Mourinho.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

A crucial differences from the previous two is that many of the collection's Durands are currently at the Brooklyn Museum in "Kindred Spirits: Asher B. Durand and the American Landscape," which was also organized by Ms. Ferber.

The New York Times - Arts

Robert Malley, who was a senior White House official under President Barack Obama and now serves as president of the International Crisis Group, said the Trump administration had closely embraced the Persian Gulf kingdom, smoothing over differences from the previous administration and elevating its position as a central Middle Eastern ally.

The Washington Post

However, differences from the previous profiles are negligible.

Earth, Planets and Space

Our estimated models of the current Tokai slow slip indicate differences from the previous event regarding the following points.

Earth, Planets and Space

The clear differences from the previous stage are the appearances of considerable amounts of "fresh pumice (juvenile)" (7.7 vol%) and glassy "fresh lava" (4.3 vol%) (Table 2 and Fig. 2).

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "difference from the previous", ensure the context clearly identifies both the current subject and the specific previous instance being compared. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "difference from the previous" without specifying what exactly is being compared. For example, instead of saying "The difference from the previous is significant", specify "The difference from the previous model is significant because of its new features."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difference from the previous" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to introduce a clause that specifies the ways in which something has diverged or varies from something that came before it. It serves to qualify or modify a statement by indicating a point of comparison.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difference from the previous" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and appears commonly in contexts requiring comparison, such as Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business writing. This phrase functions to highlight distinctions between a current subject and a prior instance, offering clarity and context. When using this phrase, ensure that the subjects of comparison are clearly defined to avoid vagueness. Consider using related phrases such as "contrast with the prior" or "departure from the preceding" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrast with the prior

This phrase uses "contrast" to highlight the differences, implying a comparison is being made.

divergence from the earlier

This suggests a deviation or branching off from what came before.

departure from the preceding

Emphasizes a move away or a change in direction from the previous state.

distinction from the past

Focuses on setting apart the current situation from a more general history or timeframe.

variation from the former

Highlights changes or modifications compared to a previous version or instance.

disparity with the antecedent

Indicates an inequality or significant difference from what preceded it, often in a more formal or academic context.

deviation from what preceded

Implies straying from a previously established norm or pattern.

shift from the historical

Highlights a change in trend from a historical perspective.

alteration compared to the last

This phrase focuses on the change that was made.

in contrast to what has happened before

This is a more verbose and descriptive option for contrasting with a past event.

FAQs

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

You can use "difference from the previous" to highlight variations between a current item and a prior one. For instance, "The main difference from the previous version is the improved battery life."

What's a good alternative to "difference from the previous"?

Alternatives include "contrast with the prior", "deviation from what preceded", or "departure from the preceding", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "difference from the previous" or "different than the previous"?

While both are used, "difference from the previous" is generally considered more grammatically correct, particularly in formal writing. "Different than" is more common in informal speech.

What is the nuance between "difference from the previous" and "change from the previous"?

"Difference from the previous" generally refers to a state of being dissimilar, whereas "change from the previous" emphasizes the act of becoming dissimilar. The best choice depends on whether you're highlighting a static comparison or a dynamic transition.