differs significantly

USAGE SUMMARY

"differs significantly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to describe two or more things that have been compared and found to be substantially different. For example, "The average cost of living in New York City differs significantly from other parts of the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Due to different fertility policies, China's birth rate also differs significantly in different historical periods.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

The amplitude of τ c, corresponding to the recurrence interval, differs significantly among different tremor regions.

Earth, Planets and Space

Target selectivity differs significantly between different ISs.

BMC Genomics

The virulence of different pneumococcal serotypes most probably differs significantly.

BMC Infectious Diseases

This case, however, differs significantly.

The New York Times

It differs significantly from a House bill.

The New York Times

To put this more precisely, China's economic structure differs significantly from most of the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in response to the rules in each country, its investment strategy differs significantly.

The New York Times

Broza's album differs significantly from Earle's — and, for that matter, from any of the other tributes.

The New Yorker

The current downturn differs significantly from nearly all of those since World War II.

The New York Times

The new proposal differs significantly from Ms. Reding's previous draft.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Quantify the difference whenever possible. Instead of just saying "the results differs significantly", try adding specifics. For example: "the results differs significantly, with a 20% increase in the treatment group".

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "differs significantly" in casual conversation or informal writing can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is very different" or "is quite distinct" in these settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differs significantly" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a notable distinction exists between two or more items. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "differs significantly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight substantial differences between entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples across various domains. While most common in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a formal register and should be used judiciously in informal settings. When using this phrase, consider quantifying the difference and opting for simpler alternatives in casual communication. Related phrases like "diverges significantly" or "differs vastly" can provide nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Diverges significantly

Focuses on the act of moving in different directions or paths, highlighting a deviation rather than just a difference.

Differs vastly

Emphasizes a larger degree of difference compared to "significantly".

Differs dramatically

Highlights a striking and noticeable difference.

Differs considerably

Indicates a substantial amount of difference.

Differs greatly

Stresses the magnitude of the difference.

Differs appreciably

Implies the difference is noticeable or measurable.

Differs markedly

Suggests the difference is easily observed or distinguished.

Differs drastically

Implies a radical or extreme difference.

Varies significantly

Highlights fluctuation or changes rather than a static difference.

Differs noticeably

Emphasizes that the difference is easily observed.

FAQs

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

Use "differs significantly" to highlight substantial differences between two or more things. For example, "The climate in the north differs significantly from that in the south."

What are some alternatives to "differs significantly"?

You can use alternatives like "diverges significantly", "differs vastly", or "differs dramatically" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "differs significantly" or "is significantly different"?

Both "differs significantly" and "is significantly different" are grammatically correct, but "differs significantly" is often more concise and direct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and sentence structure.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "differs significantly"?

"Differs significantly" is appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, reports, and any situation where you need to emphasize a notable difference. It may be less suitable for casual conversation.