is different than

USAGE SUMMARY

'is different than' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are comparing two objects, ideas or concepts, such as in the following example: The way I approach this problem is different than my classmate's approach.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everything is different than before".

The New York Times

Managing people is different than managing robots".

The New York Times - Sports

"Stand-up is different than surfing.

The New York Times - Sports

"Crisis is different than recovery," he said.

The New York Times

Today is different than yesterday.

The Guardian - Sport

"Asia is different than Europe.

The New York Times

Alabama is different than Nebraska.

The Washington Post

Our calculus is different than Stanford.

University of California, Berkeley

But simple is different than ordinary.

The New York Times

This is different than other spherical motors".

The New York Times - Tech

"My situation is different than Eric's.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is different than", ensure that you are comparing two distinct entities or concepts to highlight their unique characteristics.

Common error

Avoid using "is different than" without clearly specifying what the subject is being compared to. A vague comparison can weaken your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is different than" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating that two subjects possess distinct qualities or characteristics. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts to highlight these differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is different than" is a grammatically sound and widely used comparative phrase that highlights the distinct qualities between two subjects. While some style guides suggest "is different from" for formal contexts, Ludwig confirms that "is different than" is acceptable in most writing scenarios. This expression is frequently found in "News & Media", academic writing, and scientific discourse, making it a versatile tool for clear and effective communication. Remember to use this phrase to emphasize clear and distinct differences to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unlike

Focuses on the absence of similarity.

is distinct from

Emphasizes a clear and recognizable difference.

differs from

Highlights the act of diverging or varying.

is not the same as

States a lack of equivalence.

varies from

Implies a range of differences or degrees.

is dissimilar to

Underscores the lack of resemblance.

contrasts with

Draws attention to opposing qualities or characteristics.

departs from

Suggests a deviation from a standard or norm.

bears little resemblance to

Indicates a minimal amount of similarity.

diverges from

Implies a branching off or separation.

FAQs

How can I use "is different than" in a sentence?

Use "is different than" to compare two distinct things, for example: "My approach "is different than" yours."

What's a good alternative to "is different than"?

Alternatives include "is distinct from", "differs from", or "is unlike", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a subtle difference in meaning between "is different than" and "is different from"?

While both are used to express differences, "is different than" is often considered less formal. "Is different from" may be preferred in formal writing, although both are widely accepted.

Is "is different than" always grammatically correct?

Yes, "is different than" is grammatically correct and commonly used, although some style guides prefer "is different from". It is acceptable to use "is different than" in most contexts.