different from the British

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different from the British" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing something that is not the same as British culture, customs, or characteristics. Example: "The cuisine in India is different from the British, featuring a variety of spices and flavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Polish Euroscepticism is also different from the British variety.

The Guardian

"The philosophy of the Australian beach", says the taxi driver as the blue sea flashes through the window, "is a lot different from the British beach.

The Guardian - Travel

A senior figure denies that today's Tories are closer to the Democrats, but agrees that American conservatism is now very different from the British kind.

The Economist

"Germans have a rather healthy respect for the arts and artists," he said, in an exclusive interview with the Guardian, adding that that attitude could "not be more different" from the British perspective.

The Guardian - Arts

Powell says: "They [the DUP] were no different from the British government at the time of John Major or Margaret Thatcher saying they never had contacts with the IRA - but actually [they were] doing so as well.

The Guardian

In fact, the U.S. approach was quite different from the British approach both philosophically and in the details.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

That's very different from what the British say about Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.

The Guardian

One suspects the Brazilians might have a different answer from the British.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Before that, says Mr Huang, "we had no plan to recover Hong Kong".This is a very different account from the British (and hitherto only) version of events that led to the Joint Declaration, sealing Hong Kong's fate, that was signed in 1984.

The Economist

For the day players and the crowd scenes, it was mostly rental stock that came from the U.S. because it's an American story and the clothes had a different feeling from the British stuff.

Los Angeles Times

Kirkpatrick seemed different from the other British representatives at upcountry Indian courts who, released from the drab white ghettos of the British presidency towns, embraced keenly the opulent Indo-Persian style of the ruling classes they were in the process of supplanting.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing cultural norms or societal structures, ensure you clearly define the specific aspects that are "different from the British" to avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about being "different from the British" without providing specific examples or context. Clearly articulate which aspects are being compared to ensure your statement is meaningful and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different from the British" primarily functions as a qualifier, indicating a distinction or dissimilarity in comparison to something associated with the British. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "different from the British" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to highlight distinctions from British norms. Ludwig AI validates this usage. It's primarily employed to establish comparisons across a range of subjects, from cultural practices to political systems. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be specific about the aspects being compared to avoid broad generalizations. Alternatives like "distinct from British" or "unlike the British" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct from British

Emphasizes a clear and recognizable dissimilarity.

unlike the British

Directly contrasts something with British norms or characteristics.

divergent from British

Suggests a deviation or branching off from British standards.

not the same as British

A straightforward way of expressing difference.

contrasting with British

Highlights the differences through direct comparison.

in contrast to British

Emphasizes a clear opposition when comparing.

varying from British

Indicates a range of differences, not necessarily complete opposition.

dissimilar to the British

Formally states a lack of similarity.

at odds with British

Implies a conflict or incompatibility with British customs.

bears little resemblance to British

Indicates a minimal amount of similarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "different from the British" to highlight distinctions in various contexts. For example, "The American legal system is "different from the British" one, particularly in its approach to constitutional law."

What's a good alternative to "different from the British"?

Alternatives include phrases like "distinct from British" or "unlike the British", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "different than" or "different from" when comparing to the British?

While "different than" is acceptable in American English, "different from" is generally preferred and considered more standard, especially in British English. Therefore, "different from the British" is usually recommended.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "different from the British"?

This phrase is suitable when discussing cultural practices, legal systems, political ideologies, or any other aspect where distinctions between a particular subject and British norms are relevant. For instance, "The approach to healthcare is "different from the British" system, which is publicly funded."