different than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

"different than expected" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
For example, you could say, "The results of the experiment were different than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When outcomes are systematically different than expected to a degree where expectations cease to be meaningful, policies are never actually effective because desired outcomes are systematically never achieved.

Environmental Management

On the other hand, sometimes expectations for a summer camp may be different than expected.

HuffPost

This disparity in the rate of pressure changes caused the pressures in different gauges to be different than expected.

Vacuum

Actual operation energy consumption of the high energy efficiency buildings built and operated in China and U.S. has been quite different than expected.

Energy

One of the easiest ways for a variable to have an unexpected value is for the scope to be different than expected.

The New York Times

This statistical methodology allows to identify loci that are under selection because they show FST coefficients that are significantly more different than expected under neutrality and a given demographic model.

Nature

Therefore, the interests of the two sets of shareholders in the deal's shareholder value added do not change, even though the actual SVA may turn out to be different than expected.

Harvard Business Review

Here, we found that when the orientation of a visual stimulus is different than expected, this leads to an increased neural response in early visual cortex both in cortical locations processing the unexpected stimulus, as well as in cortical locations processing an independent and irrelevant stimulus.

Nature

Hailey: My first impression was completely different than expected.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Only at a second glance did viewers take in images of two women or two men kissing and realize that they were seeing different-than-expected promotional matter.

The New York Times - Arts

At one point, he went hard to the floor for a loose ball, bringing players on the Nets' bench to their feet in a moment that seemed to portend a different-than-expected story line.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity in complex sentences, consider rephrasing to emphasize either the difference or the expectation. This can improve readability and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "different than expected" in simple sentences where a more direct adjective would suffice. Instead of saying "The outcome was different than expected", consider "The outcome was surprising" for brevity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different than expected" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that something does not align with a prior anticipation. Ludwig confirms this usage is grammatically correct and accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "different than expected" is a commonly used and grammatically acceptable phrase for expressing that an outcome diverged from what was predicted. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. While alternatives like ""unexpected outcome"" or ""contrary to expectations"" offer nuanced variations, "different than expected" remains a versatile choice for conveying surprise or deviation. When writing, consider the simplicity of your sentence and whether a more direct adjective might improve clarity. Though the phrase is widely accepted, remember "different from expected" is often viewed as more formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to expectations

Emphasizes a direct opposition to what was anticipated.

unexpected outcome

Focuses on the result itself being surprising, rather than a comparison to an expectation.

distinct from what was foreseen

Indicates a clear separation from the initial prediction.

atypical result

Stresses the non-standard nature of the outcome.

surprising turn of events

Emphasizes the element of surprise and the dynamic nature of the change.

unanticipated development

Focuses on the fact that the development was not foreseen.

deviated from the norm

Highlights a departure from a standard or typical pattern.

diverged from projections

Highlights that something has separated and follows a different path from the original plans.

unforeseen circumstances

Focuses on the unplanned or unpredictable nature of the situation.

anomalous situation

Highlights an irregularity that may require further explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "different than expected" in a sentence?

You can use "different than expected" to describe an outcome that didn't align with predictions, such as "The company's profits were "different than expected" due to unforeseen market changes".

What are some alternatives to "different than expected"?

Alternatives include "unexpected outcome", "contrary to expectations", or "atypical result", which offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "different than"?

While some prefer "different from", "different than" is also grammatically acceptable and commonly used, particularly in American English. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

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

Both phrases are very similar in meaning. "Different from expected" might be considered more formally correct, but "different than expected" is widely accepted and understood in general usage.