dissimilar from

USAGE SUMMARY

"dissimilar from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two or more things that have significant differences. For example, "The city I grew up in was quite dissimilar from the city I live in now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It feels not too dissimilar from running my old show.

The New York Times

Redding, for example, is very dissimilar from Yonkers.

The New York Times

Cross did have a quick assessment: "He struck me as being not dissimilar from Bill Belichick.

The New York Times

The film gave me an intimate look at Baby's life, not totally dissimilar from my own.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Rumsfeld's lessons were not dissimilar from those Mr. Morris elicited from Mr. McNamara.

The New York Times

"It's not dissimilar from what happened during the development of wireless," Mr. Tauke said.

The New York Times

Russia's birth rate is not dissimilar from that of secular cultures of western Europe.

The New Yorker

Then Ian Bell had one of his moments, not so dissimilar from the one in Ahmedabad.

The Guardian - Sport

Coale, now 44, is not dissimilar from her counterpart and friend at Connecticut, Geno Auriemma.

The New York Times - Sports

Expressions of disorientation not dissimilar from expressions of mourning continued for the rest of the show.

The New Yorker

Mr. Auburn's career, as it happens, is not so dissimilar from that of Langdon Mitchell.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dissimilar from", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "This is dissimilar", specify "This approach is dissimilar from the previous one".

Common error

Avoid using "dissimilar from" when a simple contrast is sufficient. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or complex. Opt for simpler alternatives like "different from" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dissimilar from" functions as a prepositional phrase used to express differences between two or more entities. It highlights that the compared items lack resemblance or share few characteristics. Ludwig examples confirm its role in comparative descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dissimilar from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate differences between items. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While it's crucial to ensure clarity in comparisons and avoid overuse, the phrase serves effectively in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. Consider alternatives like "distinct from" or "different from" for stylistic variation. Remember to avoid redundancy by not adding 'very' and ensure clarity by explicitly stating both items you are comparing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct from

Emphasizes a clear and easily recognizable difference.

different from

A more general way to express that things are not the same.

unlike

Implies a contrast in nature or characteristics.

contrasting with

Highlights the differences when things are compared directly.

divergent from

Suggests a separation or deviation in path or opinion.

deviating from

Implies a departure from a standard or norm.

at odds with

Indicates conflict or incompatibility.

bearing no resemblance to

Strongly emphasizes a lack of similarity.

varying from

Focuses on the range of differences that exist.

dissociated from

Highlights a disconnection or lack of association.

FAQs

How do I use "dissimilar from" in a sentence?

"Dissimilar from" is used to compare two or more things that are not alike. For example, "Her leadership style is dissimilar from his, which focuses more on delegation."

What can I say instead of "dissimilar from"?

You can use alternatives like "distinct from", "different from", or "unlike" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very dissimilar from"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very dissimilar from" can be seen as redundant. Consider using a more impactful word or phrase to emphasize the difference, or rely on "dissimilar from" to convey the meaning effectively.

What is the difference between "dissimilar from" and "different than"?

"Dissimilar from" is generally preferred over "different than" in formal writing, though both are used. "Dissimilar from" emphasizes the lack of resemblance, while "different than" can sometimes imply a contrast in a specific aspect.