different than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different than" is considered correct and usable in written English, though it is often debated.
It can be used in informal contexts or when comparing two things, particularly in American English. Example: "This painting is different than the one we saw at the gallery."

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

–Very different than before.

The New York Times

"They're different than company members.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's different than a barbecue".

The New York Times

I'm not different than them.

Independent

"Everything is different than before".

The New York Times

"It's very different than Iraq".

The New York Times

They're different than these.

Cornell University

Felt different than boys?

Harvard University

Different than us, though.

The New York Times

"That's different than identity.

The New York Times

Managing people is different than managing robots".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "different than" is commonly used, especially in American English, consider using "different from" in formal writing to avoid potential criticism from those who consider it grammatically incorrect.

Common error

Ensure you're using "from" instead of "than" when aiming for strict grammatical correctness. For example, prefer "different from" in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a contrast or dissimilarity between two entities. Ludwig examples show it is used to highlight distinctions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "different than" is a commonly used phrase, especially in American English, to express a distinction between two things. While acceptable, particularly in informal contexts, it is often debated in terms of strict grammatical correctness, with "different from" being the more formally recognized alternative. As Ludwig confirms, its widespread use makes it understandable, but writers should be mindful of their audience and the desired level of formality. When in doubt, especially in formal writing, "different from" remains the safer choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct from

Uses a different preposition to indicate separation.

not the same as

A more direct and simple way to express difference.

dissimilar to

Directly expresses the absence of similarity.

unlike

Employs an adjective to denote dissimilarity.

of a different nature than

Highlights differences in kind or essence.

contrary to

Indicates an opposing nature or direction.

varies from

Implies a range of differences.

divergent from

Highlights a deviation or departure.

at odds with

Suggests conflict or incompatibility.

bears no resemblance to

Emphasizes a complete lack of similarity.

FAQs

Is "different than" grammatically correct?

While widely used, especially in American English, "different than" is often debated. "Different from" is generally considered more grammatically correct, particularly in formal writing. Ludwig confirms that usage of "different than" is acceptable, especially in informal contexts.

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

"Different from" is considered the standard and more formal option, while "different than" is common, especially in American English. The choice often depends on the desired level of formality and audience.

When should I use "different than"?

Use "different than" primarily when what follows is a clause introduced by a relative pronoun or conjunction, such as "that" or "what". However, in most other cases, and especially in formal writing, "different from" is preferred.

What are some alternatives to "different than"?

Alternatives include "distinct from", "unlike", and "not the same as". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.