different from the previous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'different from the previous' is correct in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things that are not the same. For example: "This version of the software is much simpler to use than the previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"And this generation will be different from the previous one.

The Guardian

Is this show different from the previous Châtelet performances?

The New York Times

"The reality is that they are very different from the previous government," said Nanos.

The Guardian

It is an effort which is very different from the previous [bond-buying programme].

The Guardian - Business

But for the Athletics, the outcome was no different from the previous two Octobers.

The New York Times - Sports

The 2002 Mountaineer looks starkly different from the previous model, and from the Explorer.

The New York Times

"Every song that I put out sounds totally different from the previous ones," he said.

The Guardian - Music

GM: Each time I go to Antarctica is different from the previous time.

The Guardian

For the military the next engagement is often different from the previous one.

The New York Times - Books

We're always exploring new stuff, new ideas, and each festival is different from the previous one".

The Guardian

The new Duke Nukem is not any different from the previous one [1996's Duke Nukem 3D].

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different from the previous" to highlight evolution or contrast between successive elements in a series or process.

Common error

Avoid using "than" instead of "from" after "different". The correct usage is "different from", not "different than".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different from the previous" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a contrast or distinction between something and its predecessor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it's used to highlight changes or variations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "different from the previous" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile prepositional phrase used to highlight contrasts and distinctions between items in a sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted. Its usage spans various contexts, from formal academic papers to news articles and casual conversation. While alternatives like "unlike the preceding" or "distinct from what preceded it" exist, "different from the previous" remains a clear and effective choice. When using this phrase, remember to clearly define the elements being compared and avoid the common error of substituting "from" with "than".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlike the preceding

This alternative directly contrasts something with what came before, highlighting a distinction.

distinct from what preceded it

This emphasizes the separation and uniqueness of the current item compared to its predecessor.

a departure from the prior

Highlights a shift or deviation from what was previously the norm or standard.

not the same as the last

A simpler, more direct way of stating a difference from the immediate past.

contrasting with its forerunner

Implies a direct comparison where the differences are noticeable.

varying from the one before

Focuses on the aspect of change or alteration from a prior state.

dissimilar to the prior iteration

Uses more formal language to indicate a lack of resemblance to a previous version.

bears no resemblance to its predecessor

Emphasizes a complete lack of similarity to what came before.

represents a shift from the foregoing

Highlights a significant change in direction or approach compared to the past.

diverges from what has come before

Indicates a deviation or branching off from a previous path or pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "different from the previous" to compare two iterations of something, like "The new model is "different from the previous" one in terms of battery life".

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "unlike the preceding", "distinct from what preceded it", or "a departure from the prior".

Is it correct to say "different than the previous"?

While "different than" is sometimes used, especially in American English, "different from" is generally considered more grammatically correct and is preferred in formal writing. Therefore using "different from the previous" is recommended.

What is the nuance between "different from the previous" and "better than the previous"?

"Different from the previous" simply indicates a distinction, without implying any value judgment. "Better than the previous" expresses a clear improvement over what came before, which is a subjective assessment.