differs greatly from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "differs greatly from" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate that something is very different from something else. For example, "The climate in South America differs greatly from the climate in North America."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The relative frequency of different major forms of CHD also differs greatly from study to study.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Homelessness in the developing world often takes a different form than in the developed world, but also differs greatly from city to city.

Huffington Post

The larva differs greatly from the adult.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The online definition of a series differs greatly from television.

The New York Times

The BP disaster differs greatly from the Valdez.

The New York Times

But the race this year differs greatly from the contests he won in 1994 and 1998.

The New York Times

Guards still keep watch, but the atmosphere differs greatly from prison yards, the inmates said.

The New York Times

Interestingly, the list differs greatly from readers' choices halfway through the year – take a look at those here.

The Guardian - Books

The mix of ethnic groups differs greatly from province to province.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The chemical composition of the lake differs greatly from that of most central European lakes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For these reasons, strategy in war differs greatly from strategy in a game such as chess.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "differs greatly from", ensure you clearly articulate the specific aspects in which the subjects differ to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "differs greatly from" when the difference is minor or subtle. Use a weaker phrase like "slightly differs from" or "shows some differences from" to accurately reflect the degree of variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differs greatly from" functions as a comparative verb phrase, highlighting a significant dissimilarity between two or more subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and common usage. Examples show it describing differences in climate, history, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "differs greatly from" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express significant dissimilarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most frequently found in science and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the difference is substantial and clearly articulated. Related phrases, like "varies substantially from", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. Avoid overstating differences, and remember that redundancy diminishes the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

varies substantially from

Emphasizes the degree of difference as substantial rather than just significant.

diverges significantly from

Highlights the act of moving in different directions or deviating from a standard.

contrasts sharply with

Focuses on the points of dissimilarity, presenting them as stark and easily noticeable.

bears little resemblance to

Indicates a lack of similarity in appearance or nature.

is quite distinct from

Underscores the separateness and clear difference between the two subjects.

departs radically from

Stresses a significant and fundamental deviation from an established norm or standard.

is worlds apart from

Emphasizes the extreme difference, suggesting they occupy completely different realms.

stands in stark contrast to

Presents the difference as a strong opposition or divergence.

is nothing like

An informal way to express a complete lack of similarity.

differs materially from

Indicates a difference that is significant and relevant, affecting the outcome or substance.

FAQs

How can I use "differs greatly from" in a sentence?

Use "differs greatly from" to highlight significant dissimilarities between two subjects. For example, "The climate in the desert "differs greatly from" that of the rainforest".

What are some alternatives to "differs greatly from"?

Alternatives include "varies substantially from", "diverges significantly from", or "contrasts sharply with". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "differs greatly a lot from"?

Yes, "differs greatly a lot from" is redundant. The word "greatly" already implies a significant difference, so adding "a lot" is unnecessary. Stick to ""differs greatly from"".

What's the difference between "differs greatly from" and "differs slightly from"?

"Differs greatly from" indicates a large and noticeable difference, while "differs slightly from" indicates a small and subtle difference. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of dissimilarity.