not too different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not too different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two things are similar but not identical, often in a comparative context. Example: "The two proposals are not too different in terms of their overall objectives and strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not too different, though.

The New York Times

But not too different.

The New York Times

Not too different, I hope.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perhaps it's not too different from songwriting.

The New York Times - Arts

Not too different from the Fleche Wallone classic this year.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's not too different from the Northeast economy.

The New York Times

That's not too different from what the I.M.F. is saying.

The New Yorker

Because it's just different enough, but not too different.

The New Yorker

The transition from fraudster to informant was not too different.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's not too different from the story of CFCs.

Independent

Politically, then, the Parade's End of Stoppard is not too different from Downton Abbey: gently Tory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine this phrase with specific examples to show in what way entities or items are not too different.

Common error

Avoid using "not too different" when there are significant or critical differences between the subjects. Ensure the context genuinely supports the claim of resemblance to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not too different" primarily functions as a qualifier, expressing a degree of similarity. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It modifies a comparison, suggesting that items being compared share key characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not too different" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey a degree of similarity between two or more entities. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and its communicative purpose is to suggest resemblance while acknowledging some differences. It is employed across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science, with a neutral register. Alternative phrases include "quite similar", "fairly alike", and "somewhat similar", offering nuanced ways to express varying degrees of resemblance. When using this phrase, make sure to avoid overstating similarity when the context genuinely shows the resemblance between entities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat similar

Indicates a slight resemblance, suggesting that the similarities are not overwhelming.

quite similar

Indicates a notable degree of resemblance, suggesting a stronger similarity than the original phrase.

not entirely unlike

Suggests a partial similarity, hinting that some differences may still exist.

fairly alike

Suggests a moderate level of similarity, implying that the differences are minor.

much the same

Emphasizes a high degree of similarity, almost to the point of being identical in essential aspects.

comparable to

Highlights that the subjects can be equated in some ways.

along the same lines

Implies a similarity in direction or approach, rather than in specific details.

bears resemblance to

Focuses on the aspect of shared features or qualities.

shares traits with

Highlights common qualities, focusing on specific characteristics that overlap.

in the same ballpark

Informally suggests that the subjects are within a similar range or category.

FAQs

How can I use "not too different" in a sentence?

You can use "not too different" to compare two or more things, suggesting they are similar but not identical. For instance, "The two approaches are "not too different" in their methodology."

What are some alternatives to saying "not too different"?

Alternatives include "quite similar", "fairly alike", or "somewhat similar", depending on the degree of similarity you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not too different" or "very similar"?

The choice depends on the nuance you want to express. "Not too different" acknowledges some variations, while "very similar" emphasizes strong resemblance. Use "not too different" when highlighting that the variations are not significant.

What does it mean when something is described as "not too different" from something else?

It means that while there are some differences between the two things being compared, they are essentially alike or comparable in many important ways.