different from this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different from this" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you'd like to emphasize a contrast between two items or ideas. For example: "We don't want to follow the same path they did; our plan is different from this."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quite different from this one.

The New York Times

I want to build something different from this place.

The Guardian

That crisis, however, was very different from this one.

The New York Times

Your own balance may be much different from this.

The New York Times

Very different from this kind of complex "leotard" ballet is Balanchine's "Vienna Waltzes".

The New York Times - Arts

"When we were targeted by the Syrian regime airstrikes, it was different from this time".

The Guardian

The world of my student days, however, was fundamentally different from this one.

The Guardian - Books

Each reader will take something different from this amazing, labyrinthine, terrifying and often claustrophobic narrative.

The Guardian - Books

The reality, of course, is different from this one-sided book.

The Guardian - Books

"A properly run dictatorship looks very different from this," Mr. Galeotti said.

The New York Times

The Senate bill is radically different from this imaginary plan the economists are praising.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "different from this", consider if a more specific adjective (e.g. "better", "worse", "larger") would provide more clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "different from this" when "this" lacks a clear and immediate referent. Ensure your writing clearly establishes what "this" refers to, or consider rephrasing for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different from this" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, indicating a distinction or contrast. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples show how it sets something apart from a specific reference point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "different from this" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a contrast or distinction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, scientific, and academic writing. To ensure clarity, always make sure that "this" has a clear reference. When you aim for more formal language, consider if a more specific adjective can be used for increased precision. If you seek to use alternative forms of this expression, then expressions as ""distinct from this"", or ""unlike this"" are good candidates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct from this

Replaces "different" with "distinct", emphasizing a clear and recognizable difference.

other than this

Uses "other than" to indicate a contrast or exclusion.

unlike this

Expresses a contrast by stating that something is not like "this".

contrary to this

Highlights a direct opposition or contradiction.

as opposed to this

Indicates a contrast by presenting an alternative.

in contrast to this

Explicitly states a contrast between two things.

varying from this

Focuses on the aspect of variation or deviation.

deviating from this

Emphasizes the act of straying or diverging.

divergent from this

Implies a branching out or separation.

dissimilar to this

Highlights a lack of similarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "different from this" to emphasize a contrast between two items or ideas. For example, "The new model is significantly "distinct from this" one."

What are some alternatives to saying "different from this"?

Alternatives include phrases like "unlike this", "other than this", or "in contrast to this" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, it's crucial for clarity. If the reference is ambiguous, consider rephrasing to explicitly state what you're comparing something to. Otherwise the reader may get confused. For example, you could change a sentence such as 'The outcome was different from this' into 'The outcome was "other than expected"'.

What's the difference between "different from this" and "different than this"?

"Different from this" is generally preferred in formal writing, while "different than this" is more common in American English. Both are used to express a contrast, but "different from this" is often considered more grammatically correct.