different than that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different than that" is generally considered incorrect in formal written English.
It is often used in informal contexts to compare two things, but "different from" is preferred in standard English. Example: "This painting is different than that one in terms of style and color."

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ebay is no different than that.

The New York Times

We are a lot different than that.

The New York Times

She needs to come up with something different than that.

The Guardian

"This was a little bit different than that.

Independent

Obviously, it was slightly different than that.

Forbes

"It's different than that.

Vice

It's like James Bond, it's no different than that.

Huffington Post

But I think we're a little different than that.

Huffington Post

"You know, I think it's different than that.

Huffington Post

Because being on a television series, I'm guessing you look for something different than that.

Huffington Post

I think it was much different than that, more outboard.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "different than that" is commonly used, especially in American English, consider using "different from that" in formal writing to align with standard English grammar.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "different than" in academic papers or professional reports. Vary your phrasing with options like "distinct from", "unlike", or "dissimilar to" to enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different than that" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that something is not the same as something else. Ludwig provides examples of its usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "different than that" is a comparative phrase used to express dissimilarity, with Ludwig AI examples spanning news, academic, and scientific domains. While grammatically acceptable, "different from that" is often preferred in formal writing. To enhance writing, consider alternatives like "distinct from that" or "unlike that". The frequency of "different than that" is classified as uncommon, with its usage deemed neutral in register. As Ludwig AI suggests, awareness of context is key when choosing between "different than" and "different from".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

other than that

Replaces "different than" with "other than", focusing on exclusion rather than comparison.

distinct from that

Substitutes "different" with "distinct", implying a clearer, more defined separation.

unlike that

Uses "unlike" to indicate a contrast, emphasizing the dissimilar qualities.

not the same as that

Offers a more direct and explicit way of stating that two things are not identical.

varied from that

Highlights the variation between the two subjects, focusing on differences in form or character.

divergent from that

Implies a branching off or deviation, suggesting a more significant divergence.

dissimilar to that

Emphasizes the lack of similarity, providing a formal alternative to "different".

in contrast to that

Positions the subject as an opposite or notable deviation from what is being referenced.

bears no resemblance to that

Stresses the complete absence of similarity, indicating a stark contrast.

constitutes a departure from that

Highlights the act of moving away or diverging from a previous state or norm.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "different than that"?

While commonly used, especially in American English, "different than that" is often considered less formal than "different from that". Standard English typically prefers "different from".

What are some alternatives to saying "different than that"?

You can use alternatives like "distinct from that", "unlike that", or "dissimilar to that" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When should I use "different from" instead of "different than"?

Use "different from" in formal writing and when adhering to strict grammatical conventions. "Different than" is more acceptable in informal speech and some regional dialects.

How can I make my writing sound more sophisticated when expressing differences?

Instead of always using "different than" or "different from", try incorporating varied phrases such as "in contrast to that", "bears no resemblance to that", or "constitutes a departure from that" to add nuance and precision to your descriptions.