different from the normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different from the normal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that deviates from what is typically expected or standard. Example: "The results of the experiment were different from the normal, indicating a potential breakthrough in the research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are very different from the normal, wind-driven waves that break millions of times a day on our shores.

The Guardian

"It's marginally different from the normal Quo stuff, it's slightly more laid-back than anything we've done on single".

The Guardian - Music

It's something a bit different from the normal, mass-produced homogeneity; something worth paying a bit more for.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Importantly, the carbon-deuterium bond vibrates at a unique frequency different from the normal carbon-hydrogen bond.

Columbia University

In the following photos of plants, the leaves are quite different from the "normal" leaves we envision.

University of California, Berkeley

The structure of this nuclear reactor is different from the normal pressurized water reactors.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

What Piwonski wanted was to create something different from the normal big city, big hotel experience.

Independent

It will attract attention and will be different from the normal thing of people shouting down the megaphone … Is it not magenta?

The Guardian

But there's an added complication, which is activist shareholders, and their increased presence seems to me different from the normal ebb and flow among the three parties.

Harvard Business Review

Smallwood told Carson that "undue influence was placed on Helen, and myself to process FOIA request of a political nature in a fashion different from the normal process".

The Guardian

The initial proof of their intentions is the single, Sound of the Underground, an icy confection very different from the normal run of girl-band things.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "different from the normal", ensure the context clearly establishes what the "normal" is. This provides a clear point of reference for the deviation.

Common error

Avoid using "different from the normal" without specifying what constitutes the "normal" state or condition. Lack of clarity can lead to misinterpretation and weaken your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different from the normal" functions as a qualifier, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate a deviation from what is considered typical or standard. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "different from the normal" is a versatile expression used to indicate a deviation from the expected or typical. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse fields, particularly science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the 'normal' reference point is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "unlike the usual" or "distinct from the standard" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to provide context to ensure your message is clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

different from the ordinary

Replaces "normal" with "ordinary", suggesting a slight shift towards commonness or lack of distinction.

unlike the usual

Uses "unlike" to directly contrast with what is typically expected.

distinct from the standard

Substitutes "normal" with "standard", implying a deviation from an established measure or norm.

deviating from the norm

Emphasizes the act of diverging from an accepted standard or pattern.

varying from the average

Highlights a difference in comparison to a typical or calculated mean.

departing from convention

Focuses on breaking away from established customs or practices.

atypical

A single-word adjective meaning not representative of a type, group, or class.

anomalous

Highlights a deviation from what is standard, normal, or expected; often used in scientific contexts.

uncommon

Simple replacement of "normal" denoting a low frequency of occurrence.

outside the box

An idiomatic expression for thinking differently and unconventionally.

FAQs

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

You can use "different from the normal" to describe something that deviates from the typical or expected. For example, "The patient's test results were "different from the normal" range."

What are some alternatives to saying "different from the normal"?

Alternatives include "unlike the usual", "distinct from the standard", or "atypical", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

While not always grammatically required, specifying the reference point enhances clarity. If the "normal" state is implicit in the context, it may be omitted; otherwise, explicitly stating it avoids ambiguity.

What's the difference between "different from the normal" and "deviating from the norm"?

"Different from the normal" is a more general phrase, while "deviating from the norm" implies a more pronounced departure from an established standard or pattern.