drastically different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "drastically different" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe two things that are extremely different from one another. For example, "The new design was drastically different from the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's drastically different".

The Guardian - Film

The processes are drastically different.

The New York Times

Now things are drastically different.

The Guardian - Business

This time was drastically different.

The New York Times - Health

Again, the industries are drastically different.

The New York Times

Free-agent compensation is drastically different.

The New York Times

In Britain, he said, "it's drastically different".

The New York Times

The picture today is drastically different.

The New York Times - Health

This is a drastically different result.

The Guardian

The family returned to Harlem to a drastically different lifestyle.

The Guardian - Music

After his second killing, Rankin faced a drastically different situation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drastically different" to highlight significant and impactful changes or dissimilarities between two or more subjects. It adds emphasis and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "drastically different" when a simpler term like "different" or "distinct" would suffice. Overusing it can weaken its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drastically different" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It serves to emphasize a significant degree of dissimilarity between two or more things. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drastically different" is a grammatically sound and widely used adjective phrase to emphasize a substantial and noticeable dissimilarity. According to Ludwig, it is indeed correct and usable in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, highlighting its versatility across various registers. While effective, avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "markedly dissimilar" or "radically transformed" for nuanced expression. Remember, "drastically different" is your go-to when you need to underline a significant contrast or transformation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

markedly dissimilar

Emphasizes a noticeable difference.

significantly divergent

Highlights that paths or trends have moved far apart.

radically transformed

Focuses on a complete or fundamental change.

fundamentally altered

Indicates a change to the core or foundation of something.

substantially modified

Suggests a considerable amount of change has occurred.

entirely contrasting

Highlights a complete opposition between two things.

vastly different

Emphasizes the large extent of the difference.

noticeably changed

Points out that the difference is easily observed.

patently distinct

Highlights that the difference is obvious and clear.

worlds apart

Indicates a very large difference, often used figuratively.

FAQs

How can I use "drastically different" in a sentence?

You can use "drastically different" to emphasize a significant difference between two things. For example, "The new policy is "drastically different" from the old one".

What are some alternatives to "drastically different"?

Some alternatives include "markedly dissimilar", "significantly divergent", or "radically transformed", depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "drastically different" in formal writing?

Yes, "drastically different" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to emphasize a significant difference or change. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

What is the difference between "different" and "drastically different"?

"Different" simply indicates a dissimilarity, while "drastically different" emphasizes that the dissimilarity is significant and impactful. Using "drastically different" adds more weight to the comparison.