entirely different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'entirely different' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize how two things have no similarities. For example: “This time around, the lyrics are entirely different than the first version.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are entirely different".

The Guardian

Make it entirely different.

The New Yorker

"They taste entirely different".

The New York Times

Two entirely different beasts.

The New York Times - Arts

Patients were entirely different.

The New York Times - Health

An entirely different product.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's entirely different now".

The New York Times - Sports

"Indeed an entirely different museum.

Independent

It was entirely different then.

The New York Times

SUSAN ORLEAN: It's entirely different!

The New Yorker

An entirely different picture emerges.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entirely different" to clearly and emphatically distinguish between two or more subjects, ensuring there's no room for misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "entirely different" when describing subjects that still share some fundamental characteristics. Reserve it for cases where the distinctions are absolute and leave no common ground.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely different" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the degree of difference between two or more entities. It emphasizes a complete lack of resemblance or shared characteristics, as validated by Ludwig and its diverse examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "entirely different" is a powerful way to emphasize the complete dissimilarity between two things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. To use it effectively, ensure that the subjects you're comparing genuinely lack common ground. While it's a common phrase, consider alternatives like "completely dissimilar" or "worlds apart" for stylistic variation. Remember, clarity and accuracy are key when highlighting differences, and this phrase should be reserved for substantial contrasts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely dissimilar

Emphasizes the lack of resemblance in a more formal tone.

totally unlike

Directly states the absence of similarity.

nothing alike

Simply expresses that there are no shared qualities or characteristics.

worlds apart

Uses a figurative expression to highlight significant differences.

poles apart

Uses a metaphor to suggest extreme divergence.

fundamentally distinct

Stresses that the differences are basic and essential.

bearing no resemblance

Focuses on the complete absence of any shared appearance or characteristics.

distinctly contrasting

Focuses on the contrast between two things, highlighting their separation.

radically diverse

Highlights the extensive variation and dissimilarity.

unrelated

Implies no connection or association whatsoever.

FAQs

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

Use "entirely different" to emphasize the lack of similarity between two or more things. For example, "The new policy is "entirely different" from the previous one".

What phrases can I use instead of "entirely different"?

You can use alternatives like "completely dissimilar", "totally unlike", or "worlds apart" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "completely entirely different"?

Yes, using both "completely" and "entirely" before "different" can be redundant. "Entirely different" already implies a complete distinction, so adding "completely" doesn't add extra value.

What's the difference between "entirely different" and "slightly different"?

"Entirely different" means there is almost no similarity, while "slightly different" suggests only a small variation. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of dissimilarity you want to convey.