only different from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only different from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a distinction or variation between two things, emphasizing that they are not the same but have some differences. Example: "The two models are only different from each other in terms of color and size."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

However, haplotype GCGT, which is only different from GCGC in rs2236659, had no significant difference compared with AGGT ORR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.17; P = 0.958), confirming the results of single SNP analyses that subjects with C allele of rs2236659 had lower risk of CHD (Table 4).

Plosone

It is not only different from chimpanzees but it violates the rules of social ecology".

The New Yorker

These were mysterious books whose dangerous precipices were not only different from but often contrary to everything I had known until then.

The New Yorker

A hybrid of Bohemian cut glass and traditional sheet glass techniques, these forms are cut, flattened and remixed to achieve something that is not only different from Nendo's usual cerebral aesthetic, but which also looks entirely new.

The New York Times

It wasn't so much that his girls would make him rich and raise him out of a mill hand's dreary métier; it was that they would prove that the Wiggin kids were not only different from but better than the folks in town.

The New Yorker

Ridesharing apps are not only different from traditional cab companies, but many tech companies, too.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Interpreting these requires not only different skills from conventional mathematics, but a different way of thinking.

The New York Times

We found that numerosity estimation in second-order motion is not only possible, but also only slightly different from that in first-order motion.

Plosone

The result of their efforts promises to be an understanding of the just war that is not only quite different from the traditional Theory but substantially more plausible.

The New York Times

Ms. Clinton's first report was only slightly different from other "Making a Difference" features on NBC News.

The New York Times

Protectiveness was only somewhat lower than depression or anxiety, only significantly different from the anxiety stability correlation, not for any aspect of individual-level change.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only different from" to highlight that the items are comparable or related, rather than entirely unrelated.

Common error

Avoid using "only different from" if the differences are substantial or significant; instead, opt for stronger contrasting language that reflects the degree of variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only different from" functions as a qualifier, specifically highlighting that the variance between two compared entities or concepts is restricted to certain defined aspects. Ludwig AI provides real-world examples to contextualize and validate this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only different from" serves to pinpoint minor distinctions between entities that are otherwise quite similar. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and primarily used in scientific and news contexts. It's important to ensure that the use of this phrase accurately reflects the level of difference, avoiding its application when the variations are substantial. Remembering this helps maintain clarity and precision in writing, as supported by Ludwig's insights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differs marginally from

Conveys that the difference is only to a small degree.

merely dissimilar to

Replaces "only different" with "merely dissimilar", focusing on the aspect of slight dissimilarity.

just distinct from

Emphasizes the distinctiveness while keeping the variation minimal by using "just distinct".

slightly varies from

Focuses on the variation aspect, suggesting that the differences are minor.

resembles, with slight modifications

Focuses on resemblance but adds that slight modifications exist.

bears a resemblance to, with minor deviations

Highlights the similarity but acknowledges small differences in a more descriptive way.

is nearly identical to, barring some variations

Stresses the near identity while allowing for minor variations.

is virtually the same as, save for a few distinctions

Emphasizes sameness with exceptions noted in the distinctions.

shares characteristics with, except for

Highlights shared traits and explicitly notes the exceptions.

is almost indistinguishable from

Suggests the entities are so similar that distinguishing them is difficult.

FAQs

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

Use "only different from" to indicate minor distinctions between similar items. For example, "The updated model is "only different from" the previous version in its color scheme".

What are some alternatives to "only different from"?

Alternatives include "slightly varies from", "differs marginally from", or "just distinct from", which emphasize minor variations.

Is it correct to say "only different to" instead of "only different from"?

The correct preposition to use with "different" in this context is "from". Saying "only different to" is grammatically incorrect; use ""only different from"".

What does "only different from" imply about the similarity of two things?

Using "only different from" suggests that the items being compared are largely the same, with just a few minor distinctions setting them apart. For example, "These two species are "only different from" each other genetically by a single nucleotide".