how it is different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how it is different" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask or discuss about the differences between two items, two ideas, two situations, etc. For example: "I am not sure how this new version of the software is different from the previous one – can you explain?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Chronicle isn't exactly the first company to take this approach, so it'll be interesting to see how it is different from its competitors, which includes various log analytics firms and the likes of IBM.

TechCrunch

His book, Re-create Your Life: Transforming Yourself and Your World, explains how the Lefkoe Belief Process works, how it is different from psychotherapy, and how its principles can be applied to parenting, health, and business.

Huffington Post

The description of Cluster 3 did not describe its biological meaning, and also did not reveal how it is different from other clusters.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Unless you happen upon a bottle that has been preserved, it is impossible to know exactly how it is different, or even whether it was good in its day.

The New York Times - Food

Here's how it is different.

The New York Times

As a class, discuss the concept of rebuilding and how it is different from building.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"We just explored everything, how Connecticut is, how it's different from the city".

The New York Times

She'll laugh and explain how it was different, how there's a world of distance between then and now".

The New York Times - Magazine

His father asked how it was different from what was already on the market.

The New York Times

You won't even understand how it's different right now,' " Knowlin said.

The New York Times - Sports

Q: How it's different from something like MorningStar.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two subjects, follow "how it is different" with a specific point of comparison to provide clarity. For instance, "Consider how it is different in terms of cost and efficiency."

Common error

Ensure that when using "how it is different", you provide enough context so the reader understands the basis of the comparison. Avoid statements like "It's different," without explaining the specifics. Add measurable and specific details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how it is different" functions as a relative clause that introduces a comparison or contrast. It sets the stage for explaining the dissimilarities between two or more subjects. This function is supported by Ludwig which validates the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how it is different" is a common and grammatically correct way to inquire about or explain the dissimilarities between two subjects. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various domains, including news, science, and academia, illustrating its broad applicability. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it's important to provide specific details when using it to avoid vagueness. Consider alternative expressions like "what distinguishes it" or "in what way is it distinct" for stylistic variation, but "how it is different" remains a reliable and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in what way is it distinct

This alternative specifically asks about the manner or aspect in which something stands apart.

what distinguishes it

Focuses on the unique characteristic that sets something apart from others.

what are its distinguishing features

Highlights the key characteristics that differentiate something.

how does it stand out

Emphasizes the prominence or noticeable difference of something.

what makes it unique

Directly asks about the quality that makes something one of a kind.

how does it vary

Focuses on the degree or extent of difference.

what is the divergence

Highlights the point at which things separate or differ.

how does it deviate

Emphasizes a departure from a standard or norm.

what is the contrast

Highlights a clear difference when compared to something else.

in which respects does it differ

This is a more formal way of asking about the specific aspects of difference.

FAQs

How can I use "how it is different" in a sentence?

Use "how it is different" to introduce a comparison, such as, "Let's analyze "how it is similar" and how it is different from the previous model to understand its improvements."

What's the difference between "how it is different" and "why it is different"?

"How it is different" focuses on the specific aspects of the difference, while "why it is different" explores the reasons or causes behind those differences.

Is it better to use "how it is different" or "how it differs"?

Both are correct, but "how it is different" is generally more common in informal contexts, while "how it differs" might be preferred in more formal writing.

What phrases can I use instead of "how it is different"?

You can use alternatives like "what distinguishes it", "in what way is it distinct", or "what makes it unique depending on the context".