it differs substantially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it differs substantially" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two or more things to highlight significant differences between them. Example: "The new policy differs substantially from the previous one, leading to various changes in implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The story was published in 1971, under the title Shadows in Paradise, but it differs substantially, abridged and watered down, even creating an optimistic ending contrary to Remarque's intentions.

The Guardian - Books

It differs substantially from landlocked, parkland, A to B to C to D golf in this way, among others: it is less linear, and there is greater freedom to select a line from tee to green.

The New Yorker

His political philosophy, on the other hand, is even less known, because it differs substantially from the classical political philosophy we have inherited.

SEP

It differs substantially from the two most common approaches to the problem.

Huffington Post

PAML's author, Ziheng Yang, has suggested that the gene tree should be used when it differs substantially from the species tree (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/discussions/viewtopic.php?t=7850).

Plosone

While this extension is similar within members of the group, it differs substantially from that of other groups.

Chemical Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

However, although the relative increase in vascularisation (17 fold above PBS controls p < 0.05) induced by VEGF determined by micro-CT was similar to the perfusion based analyses (20.1 and 10.4 fold for lectin perfusion and vascular corrosion respectively p < 0.05), it differed substantially from that determined by CD31 immunohistochemistry (3.2 fold p < 0.05).

Biomaterials

This result confirms our previous conclusion that the mRNA content in the exosomes is not a random sample of the cellular mRNA [8], as it differed substantially from the donor cell mRNA regardless of the cell culture conditions.

Plosone

An RDG is only superficially similar to the web service WSDL (Web Service Definition Language) [ 30] document in that it allows the resource to describe its offerings, but it otherwise differs substantially in both design and implementation.

BioData Mining

It thus differs substantially from current prostheses, which are 2- or 3-piece devinvolvinglving 1 or 2 bearing surfaces and providing 3 or 5 degrees of freedom.

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology

It thus differs substantially from other current prostheses, which are 2- or 3-piece devinvolvinglving 1 or 2 bearing surfaces and providing 3 or 5 degrees of freedom, with no or very little resistance, and no elastic return.

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it differs substantially", ensure you clearly identify the two subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it differs substantially" when the difference is minor or insignificant; this can exaggerate the contrast and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it differs substantially" functions as a comparative statement, typically used to emphasize a significant difference between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it differs substantially" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a significant difference between two or more subjects. Ludwig AI analysis indicates the phrase is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity. While Ludwig confirms its validity, be cautious not to overstate differences where they are minor. Alternatives like "it varies considerably" or "it diverges significantly" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. While not very common, "it differs substantially" is a correct and appropriate expression when used accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it varies considerably

Emphasizes the extent of variation or difference between items.

it diverges significantly

Highlights the point at which two or more things begin to move away from each other, emphasizing the divergence.

it contrasts sharply

Emphasizes a strong and noticeable difference between items being compared.

it deviates markedly

Indicates a noticeable departure from a standard, norm, or expected outcome.

it is notably different

Highlights that something is different in a way that is easily observed or recognized.

it is discernibly distinct

Focuses on the clear and perceptible separateness of something.

it exhibits a major difference

Directly points out a significant and substantial difference.

there's a profound distinction

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the difference.

it bears little resemblance

Underlines the lack of similarity or likeness between two things.

the gap is considerable

Focuses on the size and importance of the difference.

FAQs

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

Use "it differs substantially" to highlight significant differences between two subjects. For example, "The new model "it differs substantially" from its predecessor in terms of fuel efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "it differs substantially"?

You can use alternatives such as "it varies considerably", "it diverges significantly", or "it contrasts sharply" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it differs substantially" or "it differs slightly"?

The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference. Use "it differs substantially" when the difference is significant and noticeable, and "it differs slightly" when the difference is minimal.

What's the difference between "it differs substantially" and "it is similar"?

"It differs substantially" indicates a significant dissimilarity, while "it is similar" indicates a resemblance or likeness. They are antonyms and used to express opposite relationships between subjects.