mostly different from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mostly different from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two things that have some similarities but are primarily distinct from each other. Example: "The two designs are mostly different from each other, with only a few elements in common."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The genes under selective pressure found in one continent-based population or race are mostly different from those that occur in the others.

The New York Times - Science

"The only thing that reassures me slightly is when they then go on to say exactly the explanation they're certain of," Mr. Frayn said, "and it turns out to be mostly different from the explanation that somebody else is certain of".

The New York Times

I fear the stated reasons are mostly different from the actual ones.

Huffington Post

This post was previously published by the author as "Cleaning Day: Mostly Different From 'Training Day,'" at www.myidealworldblog.com.

Huffington Post

Bown's microphone choices were mostly different from those used by Smith to record the Beatles EMII sessions.

Wikipedia

These cells were mostly different from, but intimately mixed with, the astrocytic, transgene expressing cells.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Volcanic activity has occurred within the Moon, but the results are mostly quite different from those on Earth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although plenty of Germans hold business degrees, these are mostly very different from the MBA; the long slog through theoretical economics and business mathematics bears little resemblance to the shorter, American-style degree, packed with case studies.

The Economist

To assess criterion validity Turpin et al. [ 41] calculated correlations between SPS metrics and comparator dimensions which were in the expected direction and mostly significantly different from zero.

BMC Public Health

Functional terms overrepresented among FSHD-upregulated genes (e.g., mitochondrial terms, extracellular matrix, Rho) were mostly very different from those for FSHD-downregulated genes (e.g., myofibril, RNA-induced silencing complex; Table 3).

BMC Medical Genomics

In this tree, the p44/ msequencesnces obtained from I. ovatus were located mostly in clusters different from those where sequences from I. persulcatus were located, except for Tick41-1.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mostly different from", ensure that the context implies some degree of similarity or connection, even if the differences are more pronounced. This avoids creating a sense of absolute dissimilarity where it doesn't exist.

Common error

Avoid using "mostly different from" when the items being compared are almost entirely dissimilar. In such cases, stronger phrases like "completely different" or "entirely distinct" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mostly different from" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that the noun is largely dissimilar to something else. As Ludwig AI shows, it implies that while some similarities may exist, the differences are more significant.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mostly different from" is a grammatically sound and versatile comparative adjective phrase used to indicate a significant degree of dissimilarity between two entities, acknowledging the possibility of some shared characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is commonly found in scientific and news-related articles, highlighting distinctions while allowing for common ground. When employing this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the balance between similarity and difference, avoiding overstatements. Alternatives such as "largely dissimilar to" or "primarily unlike" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely dissimilar to

Highlights a substantial degree of difference, emphasizing the lack of resemblance.

primarily unlike

Focuses on the principal aspect of difference, suggesting a fundamental dissimilarity.

substantially distinct from

Indicates a considerable level of distinction, emphasizing clear separateness.

markedly divergent from

Stresses a noticeable departure or deviation, indicating a clear difference in direction or character.

significantly varied from

Highlights a notable degree of variation, suggesting a clear departure from a standard or norm.

predominantly disparate from

Focuses on the prevailing aspect of difference, implying a fundamental lack of similarity.

chiefly contrasting with

Emphasizes the main element of opposition, indicating a strong difference in comparison.

generally non-identical to

Indicates a lack of overall sameness, suggesting a customary absence of complete resemblance.

largely differentiated from

Highlights a substantial degree of separation, emphasizing distinctions made over time.

mostly deviating from

Focuses on the principal act of departure, suggesting a fundamental diversion from an expected course.

FAQs

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

Use "mostly different from" to compare two things that share some characteristics but are largely unalike. For example: "The two approaches are "mostly different from" each other, although they share a common goal."

What are some alternatives to "mostly different from"?

You can use alternatives such as "largely dissimilar to", "primarily unlike", or "substantially distinct from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "different than" is sometimes used, "different from" is generally considered more grammatically correct and is the preferred option in formal writing. Therefore, stick with using "mostly different from".

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

"Slightly different from" indicates a minor dissimilarity, while ""mostly different from"" suggests a major dissimilarity with only a few similarities. The choice depends on the degree of difference you wish to emphasize.