is rather different from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rather different from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two things, indicating that they are not the same or have notable differences. Example: "The new policy is rather different from the previous one, which focused more on flexibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Plainly, Frankenstein is rather different from, and much more complex than, its subsequent reinterpretations.

The Guardian - Books

This is rather different from the book of letters between your parents during the war.

The Guardian - Books

The checkpoint outside Kabul today is rather different from what it was three years ago.

The New Yorker

Standing in a darkened basement in King's Cross is rather different from being plunged into darkness at Tate Britain.

The Guardian

In fact, Ogilvie's book itself is rather different from how it was portrayed in the Guardian story.

The New Yorker

In all, around 80% of the firm's investors are from outside Brazil.Running a hedge fund in Brazil is rather different from doing so in other places, however.

The Economist

"Joining a victorious, or at least a determined-to-prevail army is rather different from joining a force that's imploding due to defeat, exhaustion or civilian hostility," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

Hovercraft Symphony in Gammon # Major is at the Hi-Fi until 19 April (no show Mondays) Avenue Q is another show attempting to shake up a few conventions, although the approach is rather different from Foot's.

The Guardian

Available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.ukMaya Arulpragasam is a British-born rapper of Sri Lankan heritage, better known as M.I.A. Her background is rather different from that of most people working in the music industry.

The Economist

Compassion even got an entire day to itself, with the delegates waving placards proclaiming themselves "people of compassion".This year's version of compassionate conservatism is rather different from the 2000 model.

The Economist

Miyazaki is rather different from a lot of his contemporaries in anime, such as Mamoru Oshii ("Ghost in the Shell") and Katsuhiro Otomo ("Akira" and "Steamboy"), and, certainly, from the makers of shows like "Pokémon," "Digimon," and "Yu-Gi-Oh!" His characters don't have that big-eyed, anime look.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is rather different from", ensure you clearly specify both subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is rather different from" when the distinction is minimal; consider using phrases like "is slightly different from" instead to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rather different from" functions as a comparative expression, highlighting distinctions between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase for indicating non-identity. The phrase introduces a comparison that acknowledges a degree of separation or dissimilarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is rather different from" serves as a useful tool for drawing comparisons between subjects, noting evident but not extreme differences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, making it suitable for varied forms of writing. With its frequent usage across news, media, and scientific sources, the expression presents a versatile means of highlighting notable differences, enhancing clarity, and guiding audiences toward informed understanding. Be mindful of clearly specifying compared items to avoid ambiguity and of choosing the right degree of difference to preserve accuracy and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite distinct from

Emphasizes a clear and noticeable difference.

is notably dissimilar to

Highlights the lack of similarity between the compared items.

is significantly divergent from

Indicates a marked departure or deviation.

contrasts sharply with

Stresses a very apparent difference when compared.

bears little resemblance to

Suggests minimal similarity in appearance or nature.

is markedly unalike

Emphasizes a noticeable lack of likeness.

diverges substantially from

Indicates a significant difference in course or opinion.

departs significantly from

Highlights a major deviation from a standard or norm.

stands in contrast to

Presents a direct opposition or difference.

differs considerably from

Highlights a substantial difference in amount or degree.

FAQs

What does "is rather different from" mean?

The phrase "is rather different from" indicates that two things being compared have noticeable differences but doesn't necessarily imply a complete opposition. It suggests a moderate level of dissimilarity.

When should I use "is rather different from"?

Use "is rather different from" when you want to point out clear distinctions between two subjects without exaggerating the contrast. It's suitable for situations where differences are evident but not extreme.

What are some alternatives to "is rather different from"?

You can use alternatives like "is quite distinct from", "is notably dissimilar to", or "is significantly divergent from" to express different degrees of dissimilarity.

How does "is rather different from" compare to "is slightly different from"?

"Is rather different from" implies a more significant difference than "is slightly different from". The former suggests noticeable distinctions, while the latter indicates only minor variations.