different from before

USAGE SUMMARY

"different from before" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to compare something to how it used to be. For example, "She looks very different from before; she's dyed her hair and changed her style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

How is that different from before and what does that mean for their effectiveness?

Columbia University

"You won't believe what the cast of Dawson's Creek looks like now!" Not so very different from before, it turns out – is this a trick question?

The Guardian - Film

"It is because we are too open with tourists, so too many come, and indeed the quality of tourists is now different from before," said Cok Ace.

The Guardian

Much to our surprise, we are now embarking on a new life, different from before, but with new excitements and challenges.

The New York Times

Now, in the third age of Grub Street – all-tweeting, all-Skyping – the delivery process of the written word is radically different from before, but the anxieties surrounding it are the same, and its beginnings – the placing of black on white – are curiously immutable.

The Guardian - Books

"The user today is very different from before," said Razer Chief Executive Min-Liang Tan.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

How will press regulation be different now from before?

The Guardian

A giant black hole has been jerked around twice, causing its spin axis to point in a different direction from before.

Harvard University

This image shows the effects of a giant black hole that has been flipped around twice, causing its spin axis to point in a different direction from before.

Harvard University

"We've been shifting things in a different direction from before," he said.

BBC

"Every taste you taste of it tastes different from the taste before".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different from before" to clearly highlight a change or evolution in a situation, ensuring the context makes the comparison point (the 'before' state) obvious to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "different from before" without clearly establishing what the 'before' refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Always make the initial state explicit for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different from before" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a comparison between a current state and a past state. It is used to highlight change or contrast. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "different from before" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something has changed over time. According to Ludwig AI, it’s acceptable in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the 'before' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "changed since then" or "unlike what it used to be" for stylistic variation. Ludwig examples illustrate the phrase's versatility in highlighting alterations across diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no longer what it once was

Expresses that a subject has degraded or improved.

unlike what it used to be

Expresses a contrast with a past condition using a more colloquial tone.

not the same as previously

Emphasizes the lack of sameness compared to an earlier condition.

new compared to the old

Contrasts the current state with a previous, older version.

changed since then

Focuses on the aspect of change over time rather than explicitly stating a difference.

altered from its former state

Highlights the alteration or modification from a previous condition, often suggesting a more significant change.

a departure from the past

Implies a significant divergence from previous practices or conditions.

transformed in comparison to the past

Stresses the transformative nature of the change.

evolved from what it was

Suggests a gradual change or development over time.

bears little resemblance to its prior form

Highlights the stark contrast and lack of similarity with a prior condition.

FAQs

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

Use "different from before" to highlight a change by comparing a current state with a previous one. For instance, "The city feels "different from before" after the renovation".

What are some alternatives to "different from before"?

Consider using phrases like "changed since then", "not the same as previously", or "unlike what it used to be" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

Is it always necessary to specify what "before" refers to when using "different from before"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the 'before' context greatly enhances clarity. If the context isn't clear, explicitly state the reference point to avoid confusion.

Which is correct: "different than before" or "different from before"?

While both are used, "different from before" is generally considered more grammatically correct, especially in formal writing. "Different than" is more common in American English, but "different from" is widely accepted and preferred in most contexts.