different from the usual

USAGE SUMMARY

"different from the usual" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to express that something is unlike normal expectations. For example, "The new menu at the cafe was different from the usual dishes they offered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mozilla today launched a new initiative that's a bit different from the usual standards-based web projects the organization is usually involved in.

TechCrunch

It's different from the usual thing".

The New Yorker

To be honest, Scotland is different from the usual tea-growing regions of the world.

The Guardian

Very exciting and different from the usual tasks of an English teacher – the preparation began!

The Guardian

Perhaps others will follow, and offer travellers something different from the usual service station fare.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was relevant, witty and refreshingly different from the usual Pollyanna or doomsday scenarios.

The New York Times - Magazine

As far as that goes, 21 Grams isn't particularly different from the usual Hollywood fare.

The Guardian - Film

"People in France could see I was different from the usual actresses of that time.

The Guardian - Film

Very different from the usual awkward geeks of academic philosophy and psychology.

The New York Times - Books

But the crowd that gathered last month was a bit different from the usual shouting protesters.

The New York Times

"We're hoping you might say something about a film that's different from the usual crop that's out for this summer".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "different from the usual", ensure the context clearly identifies what the 'usual' is. Providing a specific point of comparison enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While generally acceptable, excessive use of "different from the usual" can make formal writing sound repetitive. Consider substituting with more sophisticated synonyms like "atypical" or "unconventional" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different from the usual" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe something as not conforming to the typical or expected standard. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is perfectly acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "different from the usual" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote a deviation from established norms or expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for various writing contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific publications. While it's generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of the context and opt for more precise synonyms like "atypical" or "unconventional" in formal or scientific settings to avoid repetition. The phrase's communicative purpose is to highlight contrast and indicate novelty. Always ensure clarity by specifying what the 'usual' refers to in the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct from the norm

Highlights a clear and noticeable difference from what is considered standard.

out of the ordinary

Emphasizes that something is exceptional or remarkable compared to everyday occurrences.

deviating from the standard

Indicates a departure from an established rule or expectation.

unconventional

Focuses on the break from accepted norms or practices.

not typical

A simple and direct way to express that something is not representative of its kind.

atypical

Highlights the departure from a standard type or pattern.

varying from the routine

Highlights a change or alteration in a set pattern of action or behavior.

uncommon

A single word alternative that emphasizes rarity, implying that something is not frequently encountered.

unique

Focuses on the singularity and unmatched nature of something.

novel

Emphasizes the new and original qualities of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "different from the usual" to describe something that deviates from what is typical or expected, as in, "This year's conference format is "different from the usual", with more interactive workshops."

What are some alternatives to "different from the usual"?

Alternatives include "uncommon", "atypical", "unconventional", or "out of the ordinary", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what the "usual" is when using "different from the usual"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the point of comparison enhances clarity. For instance, instead of saying "The approach was "different from the usual"", you could say "The approach was "different from the usual" methods employed in previous projects."

What's the difference between "different from the usual" and "unique"?

"Different from the usual" indicates a deviation from a norm, while "unique" suggests being the only one of its kind. Something can be "different from the usual" without being entirely "unique".