fundamentally different from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'fundamentally different from' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make a comparison between two different things that have core, essential differences. For example, "The education system in Japan is fundamentally different from the education system in the United States."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But negotiations are fundamentally different from reconciliation.

The New York Times

The conflict of 2011 was fundamentally different from its predecessor.

The Guardian

Catastrophe risk is fundamentally different from normal risk.

The New York Times

'But it's fundamentally different from that of large firms.

The Guardian - Tech

Her proposal is fundamentally different from the Red Cross's.

The New York Times

Yes, women are fundamentally different from men: they give birth.

The New York Times

This is fundamentally different from leading a jazz group.

The New York Times - Arts

"Sony is doing incredibly well with the PS4 but they're doing something fundamentally different from us.

The Guardian - Tech

"It is so hard to imagine anything fundamentally different from what we have now," he said.

The New York Times

But what the FBI is asking now is fundamentally different from its previous requests.

The Guardian - Tech

The experiments, he said, raised questions "fundamentally different" from those surrounding abortion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fundamentally different from" to highlight essential, core distinctions rather than superficial variations. This phrase is best suited when describing differences that affect the inherent nature or function of the subjects being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamentally different from" when describing minor or superficial variations. This phrase should be reserved for significant distinctions that impact the core characteristics or functionality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamentally different from" serves as a comparative prepositional phrase. It highlights a significant distinction between two subjects, emphasizing core differences rather than superficial variations. Ludwig shows examples across diverse sources, confirming its widespread use in expressing substantial disparities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamentally different from" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to highlight significant distinctions between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various authoritative sources, including news outlets like The New York Times and scientific journals, make it appropriate for formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the differences being described are indeed core and essential, rather than superficial. Consider related phrases like "qualitatively distinct from" to subtly adjust the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

qualitatively distinct from

Emphasizes that the differences are based on the nature or essence of something, not just the degree.

intrinsically dissimilar to

Highlights inherent differences existing within the core nature of the compared subjects.

categorically unlike

Stresses that the items belong to entirely different categories.

distinct in essence from

Focuses on the core nature of the difference, implying a significant divergence.

markedly divergent from

Suggests a notable departure or deviation from a standard or expectation.

entirely disparate from

Implies a complete lack of similarity or connection.

worlds apart from

Expresses a vast difference, often implying incompatibility or mutual exclusivity.

bears no resemblance to

Indicates a lack of similarity in appearance, form, or nature.

a different breed than

Suggests that something belongs to a completely different type or class, emphasizing a superior quality or uniqueness.

poles apart from

Indicates the highest degree of difference, as far apart as two opposite poles.

FAQs

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

Use "fundamentally different from" to compare two things that diverge in core aspects, like: "The approach to problem-solving is "fundamentally different from" what we previously used".

What are some alternatives to "fundamentally different from"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "qualitatively distinct from", "intrinsically dissimilar to", or "categorically unlike".

How does "fundamentally different from" compare to "slightly different from"?

"Fundamentally different from" emphasizes deep, essential disparities, while "slightly different from" indicates minor variations. The former is used for core distinctions, and the latter for superficial differences.

Is it always appropriate to use "fundamentally different from" in formal writing?

Yes, "fundamentally different from" is suitable for formal writing when you need to emphasize key, intrinsic differences. It conveys a strong sense of distinction, which is often valuable in professional and academic contexts.