different from what it used to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different from what it used to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a change in the state or condition of something over time. Example: "The city is different from what it used to be, with new buildings and parks replacing old structures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"France is different from what it used to be and people don't want to accept it.

The Guardian - Film

Bowa and Rogers agreed that the All-Star Game was different from what it used to be.

The New York Times - Sports

"The nature of our ensemble is now quite different from what it used to be," he added.

The New York Times

In part, I suppose, that is because I've been doing some work, but I think it is also partly due to the necessity of facing yet another unexpected fact, that being home is different from what it used to be.

The New York Times

"We have got an increasingly ageing population," says Young. "The fact people are living longer and becoming poorly for longer means that the level of need people have in residential homes is quite different from what it used to be.

The Guardian

As a result, the driving experience is very different from what it used to be, and from the way it's portrayed in the TV ads, where you always see the automobile out in nature,or driving on some beautiful deserted road.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Mountaineering in today's climate-disrupted world is a vastly different endeavour from what it used to be.

The Guardian

GitHub in 2015 is quite a different place from what it used to be.

Journal of Organization Design

JOHN CLEESE -- I think animation is taking on an importance that's very different from what it used to have.

The New York Times

"The car was a bit different from what I was used to from last year, but it was very, very consistent.

The New York Times - Sports

I have always been one to dismiss meditating because it was different from what I was used to.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different from what it used to be" to highlight significant changes that have occurred over time, providing context or emphasizing the impact of those changes.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "different from what it used to be". Vary your language with alternatives like "not what it once was" or "evolved over time" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different from what it used to be" functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as a predicate adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a state of change or contrast with a past condition, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "different from what it used to be" is a grammatically correct and readily understandable way to express that something has changed over time. Ludwig's analysis confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in the news and media. While common, varying your language with alternatives can enhance your writing. Ludwig AI also underscores that using alternatives like "not what it once was" or "evolved over time" can keep your writing engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not what it once was

Focuses on the past state to highlight the degree of change.

Changed from its former state

Emphasizes the alteration in condition or appearance.

No longer the same

Directly states that a difference exists compared to the past.

Evolved over time

Highlights the gradual development and transformation.

Transformed through the years

Stresses a significant change that has occurred over an extended period.

Undergone a transformation

Implies a deep or fundamental change.

Become something new

Highlights the emergence of a completely altered entity.

Shifted from its original form

Points to a change in structure or appearance.

Developed into something else

Suggests a process of growth and change resulting in a new outcome.

Taken on a new character

Emphasizes a change in personality or identity.

FAQs

How can I use "different from what it used to be" in a sentence?

You can use "different from what it used to be" to describe a change in something over time. For example, "The city is "different from what it used to be", with new buildings and parks replacing old structures."

What are some alternatives to "different from what it used to be"?

You can use alternatives like "not what it once was", "changed from its former state", or "evolved over time" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "different than what it used to be" instead of "different from what it used to be"?

While some might use "different than", the more widely accepted and grammatically preferred option is ""different from what it used to be"".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "different from what it used to be"?

The phrase is suitable for various contexts, from describing personal changes to broader societal shifts. It's appropriate whenever you want to emphasize how something has transformed over a period.