materially different from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "materially different from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two things are significantly or substantially different in a way that matters or is relevant to the context. Example: "The new policy is materially different from the previous one, affecting how we approach our work."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Estimates of differences adjusted for age/sex/HCP exposure were not materially different from the unadjusted estimates presented in table 3.

BMJ Open

Zadvydas is materially different from the present case in a second respect as well.

The New York Times

"What they have publicly said doesn't strike me as materially different from what we already knew.

The Guardian - Business

But this is not materially different from what we've already seen for years.

The Washington Post

Zadvydas is materially different from the present case in two respects.

Cornell University

The 1952 Act is not materially different from the 1870 Act with regard to these matters.

Cornell University

My life is not materially different from what it was 10 years ago.

Independent

The Justice Department, in its Supreme Court briefs, said cellphones were not materially different from wallets, purses and address books.

The New York Times

The problems that France faced in Central Africa were not materially different from those faced by Leopold.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They didn't see what we were doing as materially different from local TV news — that was depressing.

The New Yorker

They also view undergraduate debt as materially different from — and more threatening than — graduate- or professional-school debt, which ranges between $50,000 and $150,000 a student.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "materially different from" when you want to emphasize that the differences are not just superficial but have a real impact or consequence.

Common error

While "materially different from" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very different" or "not the same" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "materially different from" serves as a comparative adjective phrase. It emphasizes that the difference between two things is significant and relevant. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, as showcased in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "materially different from" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote significant distinctions. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, and news contexts. While highly versatile, you should consider simpler alternatives for casual conversation. The examples and analyses show its effectiveness in highlighting meaningful differences, making it a valuable tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantially dissimilar to

Emphasizes a considerable lack of resemblance.

significantly distinct from

Highlights important and noticeable differences.

markedly divergent from

Stresses a clear departure or deviation.

considerably unlike

Indicates a noteworthy degree of dissimilarity.

noticeably disparate from

Points out differences that are easily observed.

appreciably varied from

Suggests a change or difference that is measurable or evident.

fundamentally opposed to

Highlights a basic or essential conflict.

radically contrasted with

Stresses extreme differences or oppositions.

qualitatively different from

Indicates differences in kind or nature, not just degree.

poles apart from

Emphasizes the maximum degree of difference.

FAQs

How can I use "materially different from" in a sentence?

You can use "materially different from" to highlight significant distinctions. For example: "The company's new strategy is "materially different from" its previous approach, focusing on innovation instead of cost reduction."

What are some alternatives to "materially different from"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "significantly distinct from", "substantially dissimilar to", or "markedly divergent from".

Is it correct to say "materially different than" instead of "materially different from"?

While "different than" is acceptable in some contexts, ""materially different from"" is generally preferred, especially in formal writing.

What's the difference between "slightly different from" and "materially different from"?

"Slightly different from" implies minor variations, whereas ""materially different from"" suggests substantial and impactful distinctions.