different but certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different but certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a situation where two things are distinct from each other, yet there is a level of assurance or confidence about one or both of them. Example: "The outcomes of the experiment were different but certain, leading us to a clear conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Every workplace is different, but certain patterns began to emerge.

The New York Times

Every tragic accident is different but certain common themes run through the recent deaths: turning left, roundabouts and women.

The Guardian

Every situation is different, but certain clinical specialties have better track records of supporting physician-scientist careers.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In E. coli, P2 is able to integrate at over 10 different loci, but certain sites may be used more commonly than others [ 35].

BMC Genomics

Lab design is highly discipline-specific--physicists, marine scientists, chemists, and cancer researchers each require very different laboratories--but certain common principles apply.

Science Magazine

A few hours later, the NYSE's chief executive, John Thain, confronted a different, but more certain, threat to the 212-year-old exchange: technological obsolescence.As Mr Thain acknowledged, large institutions have become increasingly critical of the exchange.

The Economist

My relationship with my mother is totally different, but there are certain truths inherent to all mother/son relationships so generally speaking you try to embrace the things that are the similar.

Huffington Post

Resistance rates for the organisms isolated in different centers varied widely, but certain trends were apparent.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Every employer is different, but they all have certain soft skills and abilities (along with the requisite technical abilities) that they consider essential for success within their company.

Science Magazine

The 2 approaches are therefore very different, but they converge under certain scenarios.

American Journal of Epidemiology

But certain mammograms are different.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different but certain" to highlight situations where distinction exists alongside a level of assurance or predictability. This construction is useful in analytical writing to convey nuanced observations.

Common error

Avoid using "different but certain" when the 'certainty' aspect is already implied or obvious from the context. This can make the writing sound repetitive and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different but certain" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its qualities. It highlights a contrast between the distinct nature of something and the assuredness or predictability associated with it. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Science & Research

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "different but certain" serves as a concise way to express a contrast between distinct elements and a sense of assurance. Ludwig AI's analysis identifies it as a grammatically correct adjectival phrase, suitable for neutral to formal contexts like news, science, and research. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys nuanced observations. When writing, use it to highlight both the distinctness and the reliability of a situation or outcome, avoiding overuse in contexts where certainty is already implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct yet assured

Emphasizes the separateness of elements while highlighting the confidence in their nature or outcome.

varied but definite

Highlights the diversity among elements while affirming their clarity and precision.

unique yet predictable

Focuses on the individuality of items alongside their expected behavior or outcome.

dissimilar but guaranteed

Stresses the lack of resemblance while assuring a specific result or condition.

divergent but reliable

Points out the branching off in different directions alongside the trustworthiness of the situation.

contrasting but inevitable

Highlights the opposition between elements while emphasizing the unavoidable nature of an outcome.

unlike but confirmed

Focuses on the absence of similarity while validating a certain fact or result.

distinct but positive

Emphasizes the separateness of items while stressing a favorable aspect.

individual but sure

Focuses on the element of individuality while suggesting an undeniable expectation.

separate but assured

Underscores the disjunction and independence of items, while emphasizing confidence in their state.

FAQs

How can I use "different but certain" in a sentence?

You can use "different but certain" to describe situations where distinct elements lead to a predictable outcome. For example, "The methods were "different but certain", leading to reliable results."

What are some alternatives to "different but certain"?

Some alternatives include "distinct yet assured", "varied but definite", or "unique yet predictable" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "different but certain"?

Yes, "different but certain" is grammatically correct. It uses "but" to connect two adjectives, highlighting a contrast while maintaining grammatical integrity.

In what contexts is "different but certain" most appropriate?

This phrase works well in contexts where you want to emphasize both the distinct characteristics of something and the assuredness of a related outcome or aspect. It is effective in analytical writing, reports, and discussions where nuance and precision are valued.