different in kind

USAGE SUMMARY

"different in kind" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It means that two things are fundamentally different and cannot be compared or categorized in the same way. Example: The new product is not just an improved version of the old one, it is different in kind and will revolutionize the market.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Your work may differ in degree, but it is not different in kind from what every artist does.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's different in kind.

The New Yorker

If genera are different and co-ordinate, their differentiae are themselves different in kind.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The United States is not different in kind, only degree; our constraints were weaker.

The New York Times

But London is also different in kind, not just degree, from the rest of Britain.

The Guardian - Sport

The reforms are no different in kind from the ones Merkel is suggesting.

The New Yorker

While both may contain objectionable, embarassing, and even inflammatory opinions, they are quite different in kind.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

However, the design of the different in-kind and monetary benefits suggests that some confronting effects could ensue.

SERIEs

They are as different in kind as they can possibly be.

The New York Times - Books

Yet PVS patients should instead be viewed as different in kind from other medical cases.

HuffPost

Hynkel and the barber are different in kind Chaplin didn't offer the dictator any possible redemption, from within or from without.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider pairing it with "different in degree" to create a contrast that will further amplify its meaning. For example, write 'This is not just different in degree, but also different in kind.'

Common error

Avoid using "different in kind" when a simple difference in degree is sufficient. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing seem unnecessarily complex. Reserve it for situations where the distinction is truly fundamental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different in kind" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, emphasizing a fundamental or qualitative distinction. Ludwig's examples illustrate its role in highlighting core differences rather than mere variations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

29%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "different in kind" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as verified by Ludwig AI. It serves to underscore that two entities are not merely different in degree, but fundamentally distinct in their nature or essence. This phrase is commonly employed across various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific domains, indicating its versatility and acceptance in both formal and informal settings.

When incorporating "different in kind" into your writing, consider the semantic alternatives, such as "qualitatively distinct" or "fundamentally different", to refine your expression. It's also crucial to reserve it for situations where the distinction is genuinely fundamental, avoiding overuse in simple comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualitatively distinct

Focuses on the qualitative aspect of the difference, emphasizing the nature of the distinction.

fundamentally different

Highlights the basic or essential difference between two things.

distinct in nature

Emphasizes the inherent difference in the characteristics of the things being compared.

essentially dissimilar

Indicates a core dissimilarity that defines the two things.

categorically different

Suggests that the things belong to entirely separate categories.

markedly divergent

Highlights a noticeable deviation or difference.

poles apart

Figurative language indicating extreme difference or opposition.

entirely unlike

Simple and direct way of stating that the things have no similarities.

a world apart

Emphasizes that the compared entities are separated by a great divide.

not comparable

States that the two things cannot be reasonably compared due to their differences.

FAQs

How do I use "different in kind" in a sentence?

Use "different in kind" to emphasize a fundamental distinction between two things. For example, "This new approach is "different in kind" from previous methods; it's not just an improvement, but a completely new way of thinking about the problem."

What's the difference between "different in degree" and "different in kind"?

"Different in degree" means there's a quantitative difference, while "different in kind" means there's a qualitative, fundamental difference. One is a matter of scale, the other of nature. Example: a drizzle and a downpour are "different in degree" but teaching a dog to sit and teaching a human calculus are "different in kind".

Can I use "different in kind" in formal writing?

Yes, "different in kind" is suitable for formal writing. Ludwig's examples show it appears frequently in academic, scientific, and news contexts. It adds precision to your argument by emphasizing a qualitative distinction.

What are some alternatives to saying "different in kind"?

Alternatives include "qualitatively distinct", "fundamentally different", or "distinct in nature". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.