fundamentally different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamentally different" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe two or more things that have very different characteristics or qualities. For example, "The approach taken by the two candidates was fundamentally different; one was focused on economic policy, while the other was focused on social justice issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's fundamentally different".

The New York Times

Are these fundamentally different approaches?

The New York Times

What's fundamentally different here?

Harvard Business Review

The situation is fundamentally different.

The New Yorker

Those are fundamentally different businesses.

The New York Times

"But they're fundamentally different devices".

The New York Times - Tech

It's a fundamentally different race".

The New York Times

But they are fundamentally different.

The New York Times

The A.C.A. was fundamentally different.

The New Yorker

Statistics is often fundamentally different.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Their brains function in fundamentally different ways.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamentally different", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being compared and why the distinction matters.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamentally different" when the distinction is minor or superficial. Instead, use weaker terms like "slightly different" or "somewhat different" for nuanced variations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamentally different" functions as an adjectival modifier, used to describe nouns or noun phrases. It signifies a deep and essential divergence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamentally different" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a significant distinction between two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using "fundamentally different", remember to emphasize the core distinctions and avoid overstating minor variations. Alternatives like "radically dissimilar" or "inherently distinct" can add nuance, but ensure they accurately reflect the degree of difference you intend to convey. In summary, this phrase is a powerful tool for highlighting essential differences when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

radically dissimilar

This alternative emphasizes the degree of difference, suggesting a stark contrast.

inherently distinct

This emphasizes that the difference is a core, essential characteristic.

categorically unlike

This suggests the items belong to entirely different categories or classes.

distinct in nature

Highlights the difference in their basic essence or character.

qualitatively different

Focuses on the differences in quality or characteristics, rather than quantity.

markedly divergent

Emphasizes the noticeable and significant deviation between the items.

essentially contrasted

Highlights a basic and key difference.

worlds apart

A more figurative way of expressing a large difference.

poles apart

A more figurative way of expressing opposite position on a spectrum.

not comparable

This suggests that the differences are so great that a comparison is not valid or meaningful.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamentally different" to emphasize a significant distinction between two or more things, such as "The two approaches to solving the problem were "fundamentally different".".

What phrases are similar to "fundamentally different"?

Similar phrases include "radically dissimilar", "inherently distinct", or "categorically unlike", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "fundamentally different"?

No, it's not. Use "fundamentally different" only when the differences are substantial and affect the core nature of the items being compared. Avoid using it for minor variations.

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

"Fundamentally different" implies a deep, intrinsic distinction, while "slightly different" suggests only a minor variation. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you want to emphasize.