different from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'different from' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two or more things as being not the same as one another. For example: "The teacher's method of teaching is different from the way that my parents taught me".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's different from innovation.

The New York Times

"Different from mine.

The New Yorker

Make it "different from".

The New York Times

That's different from portability.

The New York Times - Tech

You're no different from me.

The New York Times

Iraq is different from Libya.

The New York Times

She's different from other people.

The New Yorker

How different from Mr Murdoch.

The Economist

They are different from Qaddafi.

The New Yorker

Technique is different from dancing.

The New York Times

"I'm very different from that".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different from" to directly compare two things. If you are simply stating that something is not the same, consider using "distinct" or "unique".

Common error

Although "different than" is sometimes used, especially in American English, "different from" is generally considered more grammatically correct and is preferred in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different from" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase used to indicate a distinction or dissimilarity between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct usage and can be verified with examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "different from" is a highly versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to highlight distinctions between items. As Ludwig AI confirms, its widespread use across various contexts, notably in news media and scientific publications, makes it a reliable choice for clear and effective communication. While alternatives such as "distinct from" or "unlike" exist, "different from" maintains its position as the most common and widely accepted option. It's crucial to remember that while "different than" is sometimes used, "different from" is generally preferred in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct from

Emphasizes a clear and recognizable difference.

in contrast to

Highlights a noticeable difference when compared directly.

dissimilar to

Highlights a lack of resemblance or likeness.

unlike

A simple and direct way to indicate contrast.

contrary to

Suggests an opposition or divergence in nature or direction.

deviating from

Implies a departure from a standard or norm.

varying from

Indicates a range of differences or fluctuations.

at variance with

Suggests a conflict or disagreement.

bears no resemblance to

Emphasizes a complete lack of similarity.

of a different nature than

Indicates a fundamental difference in essence or type.

FAQs

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

"Different from" is generally considered more grammatically correct, especially in formal writing. "Different than" is more common in American English, particularly when followed by a clause.

What prepositions can follow "different"?

While "different from" is the most widely accepted, "different to" is common in British English. "Different than" is used, particularly in American English, when followed by a clause. For example, "My experience was "different than" I expected".

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

Use "different from" to compare two distinct things, highlighting their dissimilarities. For example: "Her approach to problem-solving is "different from" mine".

What are some alternatives to "different from"?

You can use alternatives like "distinct from", "dissimilar to", or "unlike" to express that things are not the same.