it was completely different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was completely different" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, object, or experience that contrasts significantly with another. Example: "When I finally visited the city, I realized it was completely different from what I had imagined."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"No, it was completely different.

The Guardian - Music

But it was completely different.

The Guardian

For me, it was completely different.

The New York Times

"In reality, it was completely different.

The Guardian

"But it was completely different in Malaysia.

The Guardian

"It was completely different in Roland Garros," Nadal said.

The New York Times - Sports

"But in the second half it was completely different.

The New York Times - Sports

Oh my gosh, no, it was completely different, and really great fun.

The Guardian - Film

It was completely different from the evaluative, numerical view of experience of his number-crunching contemporaries.

The Guardian - Books

"It was completely different from where I lived," he says of London.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I had some of it and it was completely... different," he told me.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was completely different" to clearly highlight a significant contrast or change between two situations, experiences or objects. This emphasizes the magnitude of the difference.

Common error

While "completely" emphasizes the difference, overuse can weaken its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "entirely", "utterly", or "radically" to maintain the emphasis without sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was completely different" functions as a declarative statement, asserting a notable dissimilarity between two subjects. Ludwig's examples show its use in contrasting experiences, expectations, and situations across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was completely different" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight significant contrasts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating a neutral register. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms like "entirely dissimilar" or "bore no resemblance" to avoid repetition. Avoid overusing "completely" for maximum impact. This phrase effectively conveys a sense of stark difference or unexpected divergence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was entirely dissimilar

Emphasizes the lack of similarity between two things.

it was vastly unalike

Highlights a significant degree of dissimilarity.

it bore no resemblance

Indicates a complete absence of similarity.

the contrast was absolute

Stresses the completeness and totality of the difference.

it represented a sea change

Implies a profound and fundamental shift or alteration.

it was a world apart

Highlights the distinct and separate nature of something.

it differed in every respect

Indicates differences in all possible aspects.

it was poles apart

Suggests a great distance or opposition between two things.

the gap was immense

Emphasizes the large distance between 2 different concepts.

it was another story altogether

Indicates that something is completely different from what was previously discussed or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "it was completely different" in a sentence?

You can use "it was completely different" to highlight a contrast. For example: "I expected the movie to be boring, but "it was completely different"; it was actually quite entertaining."

What's a more formal way to say "it was completely different"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it was entirely dissimilar" or "it differed significantly" instead of "it was completely different".

What are some alternatives to "it was completely different" that emphasize the unexpected nature of the difference?

To emphasize surprise, try "it was unexpectedly different" or "it was surprisingly dissimilar". These options add a sense of astonishment to the contrast being described with "it was completely different".

Is it redundant to say "it was completely and utterly different"?

Yes, using both "completely" and "utterly" is generally redundant, as they both intensify the difference. Choose one or the other to avoid unnecessary repetition of "it was completely different".