it differs

USAGE SUMMARY

"it differs" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it in situations where two things are being compared to one another to emphasize the difference between them. For example, "Though they share some similarities, the way each country handles healthcare issues differs drastically."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It differs from the original algorithm in its first step.

Journal of Cheminformatics

It differs and should differ.

The Guardian

You see how it differs?

Yale University

It differs in three ways.

Harvard Business Review

It differs in one significant way, though.

The New York Times

But it differs in two important respects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It differs significantly from a House bill.

The New York Times

"It differs from town to town.

The New York Times

But it differs in significant ways.

Harvard Business Review

However, it differs in two important aspects.

Journal of Solid State Chemistry

It's a vibe and it differs from night to night.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it differs" to clearly highlight distinctions when comparing two or more subjects. Ensure the context provides a clear reference for what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it differs" without explicitly stating what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader and weaken your comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it differs" functions as a declarative statement used to indicate a distinction or dissimilarity between two or more things. Ludwig provides examples across various domains demonstrating its versatility in conveying differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it differs" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to indicate distinctions between subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English. With a "Very common" frequency, this phrase appears across diverse fields like Science, News & Media and Academia. When using "it differs", ensure clarity by explicitly defining what "it" refers to. For variety, consider alternatives like "it varies" or "it is distinct", depending on the context and desired level of formality. Remember that while grammatically sound, clarity and context are key to effectively employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it varies

Replaces "differs" with "varies", emphasizing the range of possibilities.

it is distinct

Uses a more formal tone to highlight a clear separation.

it contrasts

Focuses on the opposition or dissimilarity between two things.

it stands apart

Emphasizes the uniqueness or exceptional nature of something.

it is unlike

A simple and direct way to state that something is not similar to something else.

it deviates

Highlights a departure from a norm or standard.

it diverges

Similar to "deviates", but often used for paths or directions.

it bears little resemblance

Indicates a significant lack of similarity.

it presents a different picture

Suggests a contrasting perspective or outcome.

it marks a departure

Highlights a shift or change from a previous state.

FAQs

How can I use "it differs" in a sentence?

Use "it differs" to point out the ways in which one thing is not the same as another. For example, "This model is similar to the previous one, but "it differs" in its energy consumption."

What's a more formal alternative to "it differs"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "it is distinct" or "it contrasts". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is "it differs from" always necessary?

While "it differs from" is common, you can sometimes omit "from" if the context makes the comparison clear. For instance, "The new design differs significantly" is acceptable.

What is the difference between "it differs" and "it varies"?

"It differs" implies a distinction between two specific items, while "it varies" suggests a range of possibilities or conditions.