it is different from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is different from' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: This car is different from the one I bought last year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is different from the streets.

The New York Times

It is different from anything else.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is different from the Europa League.

The Guardian - Sport

But it is different from Virginia.

The Washington Post

It is different from Salt Lake City in many ways.

The New York Times - Sports

A lot of it is different from the mainstream".

The Guardian - Tech

It is different from every approach and vantage point.

The New York Times

Yet it is different from anything else they have done.

The Times

In Mexcio even Newspapers are forwarded it is different from the states.

University of California, Berkeley

It is different from substance addiction, about which, for example, see T.E.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But it is different from most elite groups because almost anyone can join it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is different from", ensure that you clearly specify what the subject is being compared to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the comparison.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "it is different than", as "different from" is the standard and grammatically preferred construction. While some dialects accept "different than", "different from" is widely considered more correct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is different from" serves as a comparative expression, highlighting the dissimilarity between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and acceptable construction. The examples show its versatility in various contexts, from academic discussions to news reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is different from" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight dissimilarities between items. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its versatility makes it suitable for varied writing contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. When using the phrase, remember to specify what is being compared to what to avoid ambiguity. While "different than" exists, "different from" is generally the preferred choice. Alternatives like "it is distinct from" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is distinct from

Emphasizes the uniqueness and separate identity of something.

it is unlike

Directly indicates dissimilarity, presenting a more concise alternative.

it is dissimilar to

A formal way of saying that two things are not alike.

it contrasts with

Highlights the differences when comparing two things, emphasizing their opposing qualities.

it diverges from

Implies a deviation or departure from a standard or expected path.

it varies from

Indicates that something changes or differs in some aspect.

it bears no resemblance to

Strongly asserts that there is no similarity between two things.

it stands apart from

Suggests that something is unique and not easily compared to others.

it is set apart from

Highlights the unique characteristics that distinguish something from the rest.

it deviates from

Indicates a departure from an established norm or expectation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it is different from"?

You can use alternatives like "it is unlike", "it is distinct from", or "it contrasts with" depending on the context.

How to use "it is different from" in a sentence?

The phrase "it is different from" is used to compare two or more things and highlight their dissimilarities. For example, "This model is different from the previous one because it includes new features."

Which is correct, "it is different from" or "it is different than"?

"It is different from" is generally considered more grammatically correct. While "it is different than" is sometimes used, particularly in American English, "it is different from" is the preferred and more widely accepted option.

What's the nuance when using "it is different from" versus "it is distinct from"?

"It is different from" simply states that there are dissimilarities. "It is distinct from" emphasizes that the item is uniquely identifiable and set apart from others. The latter suggests a more significant level of differentiation.