Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

not differ

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not differ" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used in comparisons and means "to not be different." Example: "The two recipes for cheesecake do not differ much in terms of ingredients, but their preparation methods vary significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reproductive performance did not differ.

Ratings did not differ significantly.

Usually the two do not differ much.

News & Media

The Economist

The weather did not differ significantly.

News & Media

The New York Times

OCTA variables did not differ among groups.

Science & Research

Nature

Heterozygotes did not differ significantly from controls.

Science & Research

Nature

Satisfaction and information recall did not differ.

The facts do not differ materially.

Accuracy of equipment selection did not differ.

Committed and observed offenders did not differ.

Beetle biomass did not differ across habitats.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing multiple items, ensure that the criteria for comparison are clearly defined to provide context for why the items "not differ".

Common error

Avoid using "not differ" when the items being compared are fundamentally different in nature and a comparison doesn't make logical sense. Ensure a valid basis for comparison exists.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not differ" functions as a comparative expression, asserting that two or more subjects or items lack significant distinctions. This use is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, which identifies numerous examples across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

19%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not differ" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed comparative expression. According to Ludwig AI, it's predominantly used in scientific, academic and news contexts to indicate a lack of significant difference between compared items. While suitable for formal writing, ensure clarity in the comparison criteria and avoid illogical comparisons. Alternatives such as ""are similar"" or ""do not vary"" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Ensure there is a valid basis for comparison before deploying the phrase.

FAQs

What does "not differ" mean?

The phrase "not differ" indicates that there is no significant difference between two or more things being compared. It implies a similarity or equivalence.

How can I use "not differ" in a sentence?

You can use "not differ" to show a lack of distinction. For example, "The results of the two experiments did "not differ" significantly.".

What are some alternatives to "not differ"?

Alternatives to "not differ" include "are similar", "do not vary", and "are alike".

When is it appropriate to use "not differ" versus "are the same"?

"Not differ" implies a lack of significant difference, while "are the same" indicates complete identity. Use "not differ" when slight variations might exist but are negligible.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: