different to

USAGE SUMMARY

"different to" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is a synonym for "different from," so it can be used in any contexts where you would use "different from." For example: The new recipe is different to the original one.

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It'll be different to watch".

Independent

"They are both different to Babel.

Independent

Tuesday night was different, to a point.

The New Yorker

"She was so different to me.

Independent

It feels different to the German opposition.

Independent

Swimming is so different to that".

Independent

I could be totally different to you.

Independent

This all feels very different to 1992.

Independent

But they do look different to me.

The New York Times

Mixing paint is different to mixing light.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Every corner, a different TO-DO.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Although 'different to' is accepted, always consider 'different from' for formal communication or when aiming for broad acceptance, particularly in regions where it's the preferred usage.

Common error

Avoid using "than" instead of "to" with "different". The correct preposition to use with "different" is "to" (in British English) or "from" (more broadly). For example, it's "different to" or "different from", not "different than".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different to" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a distinction or dissimilarity between two entities. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "different to" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a distinction between two things. While considered acceptable, especially in British English, "different from" is often preferred for broader audiences and formal settings. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's prevalence in news and media, while Ludwig AI confirms its general acceptability. When writing, be mindful of your audience and context, and consider alternatives like "distinct from" for enhanced clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct from

Emphasizes a clear and easily recognizable difference. The nuance is on clarity of distinction.

dissimilar to

Highlights a lack of resemblance or similarity. The nuance is on the absence of shared qualities.

unlike

A simple and direct way to state that two things do not share the same characteristics.

contrasting with

Focuses on the differences when comparing two things, often emphasizing opposing qualities.

divergent from

Suggests a deviation or branching off in different directions, implying a gradual separation.

at variance with

Indicates a state of disagreement or conflict, implying incompatibility.

bearing no resemblance to

Highlights a complete lack of similarity, often used for emphasis.

not analogous to

Indicates that something cannot be compared to something else because they are fundamentally different.

of a different kind than

Stresses that something belongs to another nature or has a different level. This alternative emphasizes the nature of the difference more than the straightforward existence of the difference.

deviating from

This phrase points to a departure from an established standard or expected course, highlighting the act of divergence. This alternative focuses on departure from established standards or expectations.

FAQs

Is "different to" grammatically correct?

While widely used, especially in British English, some grammar purists consider "different from" to be the more grammatically correct choice. However, Ludwig AI indicates that "different to" is an acceptable phrase. The acceptability often depends on regional preferences and the formality of the context.

When should I use "different to" versus "different from"?

Use "different to" if you are writing for a British audience or in a less formal context where it is commonly accepted. Use "different from" when writing for a more general audience or in formal settings to ensure clarity and avoid potential criticism. You can also use alternative phrases like "distinct from".

What are some alternatives to "different to"?

Alternatives include "different from", "distinct from", "dissimilar to", or simply "unlike". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "different than" acceptable in place of "different to"?

"Different than" is more common in American English, while "different to" is more common in British English. Though acceptable in certain contexts, it may be considered less formal than "different from". For a safer alternative, consider using "distinct from", which avoids the "to/from/than" debate altogether.