not the same as before

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "not the same as before" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is different than it was in the past. For example: "I've noticed that his behavior is not the same as before; he seems more distant lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It's not the same as before," Mrs. Neuman said in a phone interview.

The New York Times

But all is not the same as before, the Deal Professor says.

The New York Times

"It's simply necessary to restore confidence, to show that there are efforts that must be made, but we still have a place, which is perhaps not the same as before, but we have a role to play.

The New York Times

A psychiatrist, Jóse Miguel López Ibor, testified that Mr. López "is not the same as before," adding that he tries to cover up gaps in his memory by creating new memories, "which sound reasonable and credible, until you compare them to those of the people around him".

The New York Times

Not the same as before, of course.

The New York Times

"It's not the same as before but it's still bad.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

What we've come up with isn't the same as before, we know, but it took account of the suggestions you sent in to me, and incorporated the community team's ideas about how they wanted to make it work.

The Guardian - Music

However, in 2014 he specifically stated it will not be the same as before, adding that it will be very heavy, melodic, and "more contemporary".

Wikipedia

The parents felt sad that life could not be the same as before; they could no longer do things spontaneously in their family since everything would have to be planned in advance.

BMC Pediatrics

"I couldn't do the same as before, but twice over," says Mr Hutchinson.

The Economist

"I can't imagine things ever being the same as before," Ms. Becker said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not the same as before" to emphasize a noticeable change after a specific event or period. It's effective when comparing past and present conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "not the same as before" when describing future expectations. This phrase is best suited for reflecting on changes that have already occurred. If you're talking about the future, consider alternatives like "will not remain the same" or "will be different".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not the same as before" functions as a qualifier or descriptor, indicating that a subject has undergone a change from its previous state. This is supported by Ludwig AI analysis, which confirms its correct usage. Examples show it modifies nouns or situations to express difference.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not the same as before" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express that something has changed from a previous state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a comparison between a past and present condition. While alternatives exist, "not the same as before" provides a clear and widely understood way to convey transformation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is no longer what it was

Directly asserts that a thing's past state is not its present one.

never been the same

Implies that something has happened that fundamentally altered the original state, in contrast to the query which indicates more generic transformation.

different than it used to be

Uses a more conversational tone to convey the same meaning.

markedly different

Emphasizes the degree of dissimilarity from the past.

changed circumstances

Highlights that the surrounding conditions have shifted.

bears little resemblance

Stresses the lack of similarity to an earlier form.

altered state

Focuses on the condition being different without direct time comparison.

a new normal

Suggests a significant change that has become the standard.

things have evolved

Indicates a gradual development and alteration over time.

undergone transformation

Highlights the process of change that has occurred.

FAQs

How can I use "not the same as before" in a sentence?

You can use "not the same as before" to indicate that something has changed since a particular point in time. For instance, "After the accident, he was "never the same"" or "The city is "no longer what it was" before the hurricane."

What are some alternatives to "not the same as before"?

Alternatives include "markedly different", "bears little resemblance", or "different than it used to be", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not the same as before"?

Yes, "not the same as before" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a change or difference from a previous state.

What's the difference between "not the same as before" and "never the same"?

"Not the same as before" generally indicates a change, while "never the same" suggests a more profound or irreversible alteration. The former is more general, whereas the latter implies a permanent shift.