it differs a lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it differs a lot' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how two things or ideas are significantly different from one another. For example, "Although my friends and I come from similar backgrounds, our views on politics differ a lot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This can be useful, but it differs a lot from the average bureaucrat's working day.Among America's number-crunchers-in-chief, it is Mr Chopra whose office comes closest to the new culture of using data in a free, creative way.

The Economist

It differs a lot from AP style, which sets the standard for most news writing.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The proposed Forming Limit Curve (FLC), which is used to evaluate the necking risk, differs a lot while different yield criteria used.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

As we know, the primary cause of human errors differs a lot in different operation scenes.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Besides, we found the homeobox of the predicted chicken HoxC12 [Genbank: XM_426957] differs a lot from its orthologs in other vertebrates and may have assembly errors.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The work of a GP and an orthopaedic surgeon differs a lot and this could be the reason for their different ways of talking about sickness certification.

BMC Health Services Research

It can be taken for granted that their perception of machines, and thus of the world itself, differs a lot from our own.

TechCrunch

But the racial make-up differs a lot.

The Economist

"So our published art differs a lot from Western graphic novels.

The New York Times

The prognosis for autonomous mobile service robots for transportation tasks in indoor environments, e.g. multistory buildings differs a lot from todays reality.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

He says the scripts are "great" and appreciates the fact that the new series is "similar, but differs a lot as well".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it differs a lot", ensure the context clearly identifies the two or more items being compared to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "it differs a lot" can sound informal. Opt for stronger, more precise vocabulary like "it contrasts sharply" or "it diverges substantially" in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it differs a lot" functions as a comparative statement, highlighting significant dissimilarities between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it differs a lot" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for denoting substantial differences. According to Ludwig, it's considered correct in English. While suitable for various contexts, it’s advisable to use more formal alternatives like "it varies significantly" in academic or professional settings. The frequency of this phrase is high across News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, confirming its general acceptability. Understanding its communicative purpose helps in effectively conveying the degree of dissimilarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it varies significantly

This alternative emphasizes the variation in a more formal tone.

it contrasts sharply

This emphasizes the contrast and dissimilarity between two subjects.

it's markedly different

Uses "markedly" to highlight a noticeable degree of difference.

it diverges substantially

Indicates a significant deviation or departure.

there's a considerable gap

Highlights the extent of difference as a wide gap between them.

it's worlds apart

Suggests a very large difference, almost incomparable.

it couldn't be more different

An emphatic way of expressing extreme difference.

they bear little resemblance

Indicates a lack of similarity or likeness.

it departs considerably

Emphasizes the act of moving away or diverging from something.

it’s a whole different ballgame

An informal idiom expressing a completely different situation.

FAQs

What does "it differs a lot" mean?

The phrase "it differs a lot" means that there are significant or substantial differences between two or more things being compared.

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

You can use "it differs a lot" to highlight key dissimilarities. For instance, "Although they share a common ancestor, their behaviors "it differs a lot"."

What are some alternatives to "it differs a lot"?

Some alternatives include "it varies significantly", "it contrasts sharply", or "it's markedly different".

Is "it differs a lot" formal or informal?

While acceptable, "it differs a lot" is considered somewhat informal. For more formal writing, consider using stronger and more precise vocabulary.