differs in that

USAGE SUMMARY

"differs in that" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe how one thing is different from another. For example, "This car has a top speed of 145 mph, which differs in that the other model has a top speed of 155 mph."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Philips's technique, which is called in-plane electrophoretics, differs in that it involves suspending colored particles in a clear liquid and moving them horizontally instead of vertically.

MIT Technology Review

Virtual reality differs in that it completely immerses users in a virtual world.

Forbes

Deliberative learning is similar to reactive learning but differs in that it includes planning of learning activities.

BMC Medical Education

Our study differs in that we used the minimum current density (= 0.4 mA) to ensure sustained capture.

BMC Physiology

The categorization group differs in that a different set of category exemplars was used for the study items.

Plosone

The higher register vocabulary of Hindi and Urdu also differs in that it comes from two different sources — Sanskrit and Persian respectively.

The Guardian - Travel

Our work differs in that we develop a real-time, recursive approach to the track fusion problem.

Information Fusion

Serbia's position differs in that the government can approve citizenship as long as it serves the "state interest", irrespective of any other conditions.

The Guardian

APFS differs in that it encrypts files individually rather than as a one unit, similar to other encryption mechanisms Apple introduced to its iOS platform in 2010.

The Guardian - Tech

"Our system differs in that it is completely passive, meaning that it does not change any information entering or leaving a network," says Schrader.

MIT Technology Review

Boxbe differs in that it lets individuals decide how much to charge advertisers and the payment goes directly to the individual.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "differs in that", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both subjects being compared and the specific aspect in which they differ to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "differs in that" when the subjects being compared are not clearly defined. Ensure the reader can easily identify what two things are being contrasted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differs in that" functions as a conjunctive phrase, specifically used to introduce a clause that explains how one thing is different from another. It serves to provide a specific point of contrast, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "differs in that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction that serves to highlight specific distinctions between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to provide clarity in comparative statements. While it appears across various sources, it is most commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, signaling a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "is distinguished by the fact that" or "is unlike because" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is distinguished by the fact that

Emphasizes a unique characteristic setting it apart.

is set apart by the reason that

Highlights a specific reason causing differentiation.

is unlike because

Offers a direct comparison focusing on dissimilarity.

varies due to the fact that

Indicates variation based on a specific reason.

contrasts in that

Focuses on the contrasting aspects between two subjects.

diverges in that

Highlights a point of divergence or deviation.

is differentiated by the trait that

Stresses a particular trait causing the difference.

is distinct in that

Emphasizes the uniqueness and separateness.

departs in that

Suggests a departure from a norm or standard.

shows a difference in that

Indicates a clear distinction or variation.

FAQs

How can I use "differs in that" in a sentence?

Use "differs in that" to highlight a specific difference between two subjects. For example, "This model "differs in that" it includes a new feature."

What are some alternatives to "differs in that"?

Alternatives include "is distinguished by the fact that", "is set apart by the reason that", or "is unlike because", which can add variety to your writing.

Is it better to use "differs in that" or "is different because"?

Both "differs in that" and "is different because" are grammatically correct, but ""differs in that"" is often considered more formal and precise, particularly in academic or technical writing. Consider the tone and audience of your work when choosing between the two.

What's the difference between "differs in that" and "in contrast to"?

"Differs in that" pinpoints a specific difference, while "in contrast to" introduces a broader comparison highlighting overall dissimilarities. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on a single distinction or a more comprehensive divergence.