it only differs from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it only differs from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things to highlight a specific distinction or difference between them. Example: "This model is quite similar to the previous one; it only differs from it in terms of color and design."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It only differs from its mouse homologue in two amino acid positions, both located in the C-terminal part of the protein.

Biochemical Journal

It only differs from PBG in the evaluation of at each step, since it depends on the set of scheduled streams.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It only differs from the upper molars of K. chiangmuanensis by the orientation of the groove between the protocone and the paracone, and higher crown elevation.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Second, the most common topology was not that of the species tree, but it only differed from the species tree in terms of the position of B. japonicum, which involves precisely one of the very short, deep, internal branches discussed above.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

When you look at it carefully, Simpson/Bowles only differs from the radical right-wing Republican budget in a few areas, the most important of which is this: While the Republican plan calls for no tax increases at all, the Simpson/Bowles plan says it would offset its billionaire tax cuts.

Huffington Post

38 Another well-studied histone variant is H3.3, and in spite of the fact that it only differs in four amino acids from its canonical form H3, H3.3 has its distinct deposition pattern where it is preferentially enriched in transcriptionally active chromatin and regulatory sites.

Application of Clinical Genetics

Moreover, neural circuitry not only differs from one individual to another, it changes from hour to hour and day to day.

The Guardian

When it comes to Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions, Netanyahu said, Rouhani only differs from his confrontational predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in that "Ahmadinejad was a wolf in wolf's clothing".

Los Angeles Times

Interestingly, the lipid composition of ROS membranes not only differs from that of the photoreceptor plasma membrane but is critical for visual transduction.

Progress in Lipid Research

But why a device that only differs from the competition in brand and interface (the Kindle Touch is nearly identical to the Nook Touch and Kobo Touch) would fail to be released is still a mystery.

TechCrunch

We found that the D. willistoni GLS only differs from the D. melanogaster GLS at four nucleotide residues and encodes the exact same predicted secondary structure (Fig. 1C).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it only differs from" when you want to highlight a single, specific difference between two otherwise similar things. This helps to maintain clarity and focus in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it only differs from" when the differences are actually substantial or numerous. This phrase is best suited for minor or single-point comparisons, not for downplaying major distinctions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it only differs from" functions as a comparative connector, used to indicate that two entities are largely similar except for a specific, limited distinction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability for highlighting precise differences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it only differs from" serves as a precise tool for comparing similar entities by highlighting a singular point of distinction. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related content, this phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that you are genuinely pinpointing a minor difference and not oversimplifying a more complex comparison. Alternatives, like "it varies slightly from", offer subtle variations in emphasis, further refining your ability to convey comparative nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it varies slightly from

Focuses on a minor variation rather than a fundamental difference.

it is merely distinct from

Emphasizes the simple distinction between two items.

it diverges marginally from

Highlights a slight deviation or divergence.

it's nearly identical to

Focuses on the high degree of similarity, noting only a small difference.

the sole distinction is

Highlights that there is only one difference between items.

it primarily contrasts with

Emphasizes the area of contrast as being the main point.

it's essentially the same as except

Acknowledges overall sameness while pinpointing a specific exception.

the key difference is

Highlights only one significant factor of variance.

it departs slightly from

Indicates a small deviation in form or style.

it contrasts minimally with

Focuses on the minimal nature of the contrast.

FAQs

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

Use "it only differs from" to highlight a specific difference when comparing two similar things. For example: "This model is quite similar to the previous one; it only differs from it in terms of color and design."

What can I say instead of "it only differs from"?

You can use alternatives like "it varies slightly from", "it is merely distinct from", or "the sole distinction is" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "it only differs from" and "it is completely different from"?

"It only differs from" suggests a minor, specific point of variance, while "it is completely different from" implies fundamental and extensive dissimilarities. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of difference.

When is it appropriate to use "it only differs from" in academic writing?

In academic writing, use "it only differs from" to precisely identify a single, notable difference between two theories, models, or results. This helps to maintain accuracy and avoid overstating the overall dissimilarity.