is different to that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is different to that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare two things and express that they are not the same. Example: "Her approach to problem-solving is different to that of her colleagues. While they prefer to brainstorm ideas, she prefers to dive straight into finding a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We know that their cytokine stimulation profile is different to that of Gram-negative bacteria, and there are also differences in the signal transduction pathways they use.

Critical Care

Our market is different to that".

The Guardian - Sport

"Being a supporter or player of Sassuolo is different to that of other clubs in Italy.

The Guardian - Sport

Chinese university teaching is different to that in British higher education.

The Economist

The real question is whether the digital sound of a compact disc is different to that of an MP3.

The Guardian - Books

I don't think that the justice a woman dispenses is different to that dispensed by a man.

The Guardian

Explaining his apparent Damascene conversion, he told the Guardian's Sarah Boseley in October how the current situation is different to that of 30 years ago.

The Guardian

"Some of them have been to some extent institutionalised, and some of them will struggle with a working environment that is different to that," he said.

The Guardian - Business

The KU process is different to that in UoB.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The force of an argument from analogy is different to that from precedent.

SEP

The harm is different to that caused by noise exposure or simple ageing.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is different to that" to clearly highlight distinctions between two subjects. This construction is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but ensure that the comparison is clear and the subjects being compared are well-defined.

Common error

Avoid using "is different to that" when the items being compared are not clearly defined or understood by the audience. Ensure that the subjects are explicitly stated to prevent confusion and maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is different to that" functions as a comparative connector, highlighting the distinction between two entities, concepts, or situations. It serves to emphasize dissimilarity, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is different to that" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to highlight distinctions between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is frequently employed in scientific and news-related contexts, showcasing its versatility. While various alternatives exist, such as "differs from that" and "is distinct from that", "is different to that" remains a straightforward and effective choice for expressing dissimilarity. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differs from that

Formal alternative; emphasizes the point of divergence or variance.

is distinct from that

Highlights clear and easily recognizable differences.

contrasts with that

Emphasizes direct opposition or divergence.

is unlike that

Simple and direct way to indicate dissimilarity.

bears no resemblance to that

Stresses a complete lack of similarity.

departs from that

Indicates a deviation or divergence from a standard.

varies from that

Suggests differences in degree or nature.

diverges from that

Implies a branching off or moving away from a common point.

is dissimilar to that

Formal and direct way to indicate a lack of similarity.

is at variance with that

Highlights a state of disagreement or conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "is different to that" in a sentence?

Use "is different to that" to compare two distinct items or concepts. For example, "The climate in Spain "is different to that" in England."

What's a formal alternative to "is different to that"?

A more formal alternative includes phrases like "differs from that" or "is distinct from that", which are suitable for academic or professional writing.

Which is correct, "is different to that" or "is different from that"?

Both "is different to that" and "is different from that" are grammatically correct, but "is different from that" is more common in American English, while "is different to that" is more common in British English.

In what context should I use "is unlike that" instead of "is different to that"?

Use "is unlike that" when emphasizing a lack of similarity or resemblance, especially when highlighting unique characteristics that contrast with the reference point. For example, "His management style is unlike that of his predecessor".