otherwise than

USAGE SUMMARY

"otherwise than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that something has been done in a different way or that something doesn't have the expected outcome. For example, "We have tried to resolve the issue but, otherwise than we would have hoped, it remains unsolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The characters act otherwise than he planned.

The New Yorker

(v) enter into contracts otherwise than in the ordinary course of business.

Harvard University

I never saw a suffragette, under menace of violence, otherwise than cool and collected".

The Guardian

Scottish Labour's leader, Jim Murphy, could not do otherwise than admit the outcome had been catastrophic.

The Guardian

I think they can appear to be quite otherwise than they are".

The Guardian - Books

"I cannot describe them otherwise than by saying they were magnificent.

The Economist

There is much more to Mr. Polanski's history, legal and otherwise, than "the girl" ever knew.

The New York Times - Books

Those ends cannot be met otherwise than by requiring transportation to be paid for in money, which has a certain value, known to all, and not in commodities or services, or otherwise than in money.

Cornell University

Human judgment is never unerring, and is rarely regarded as otherwise than wrong by the unsuccessful party in the contest.

Yale University

The court refused to instruct the jury as asked, or otherwise than as shown in its own charge.

Cornell University

The railway contends that it had no way of testing the constitutionality of the statute, otherwise than by this suit.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "otherwise than" to clearly indicate a deviation from an expected or normal course of action. It adds a level of formality suitable for academic and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "otherwise than" in casual conversation; it may sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "differently" or "unlike" for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "otherwise than" functions as a conjunction or adverbial phrase, introducing a condition or manner that deviates from what is expected or typical. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It connects clauses or modifies verbs by indicating a different course of action or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

33%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "otherwise than" serves as a formal conjunction or adverbial phrase, signifying deviation from an expected norm or action. It’s grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it’s best reserved for formal writing to maintain clarity and avoid sounding stilted in casual communication. Alternatives like "differently from" or "unlike" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Remember to use it to create a precise and well structured sentence, while being conscious that it can result excessive for informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differently from

Focuses on the manner in which something is done, highlighting the contrast in method.

dissimilarly to

Similar to 'differently from', but may suggest a more subtle or nuanced variation.

in a way that differs from

Emphasizes the divergence from a specific, established way or method.

in a divergent manner from

Emphasizes the act of moving away from a common point or standard in how something is done.

variously from

Underscores the existence of multiple different ways or forms, especially when compared to something else.

contrary to

Highlights a direct opposition or contradiction to what is expected or stated.

in contrast to

Draws attention to the dissimilarities between two things, emphasizing their differences.

deviating from

Focuses on the departure from a typical or expected path or method.

not in accordance with

Highlights a lack of conformity or agreement with a rule, standard, or expectation.

unlike

Simple comparison that something does not happen the way of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "otherwise than" in a sentence?

Use "otherwise than" to indicate a situation or action that deviates from what is expected or normal. For example, "The results were "otherwise than" we anticipated."

What's a simpler way to express "otherwise than"?

You can use phrases like "differently from", "unlike", or "in contrast to" depending on the context. These alternatives are often more suitable for informal settings.

Is it correct to use "otherwise than" in both formal and informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "otherwise than" is generally more appropriate for formal writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives are usually preferred.

What is the difference between "otherwise than" and "other than"?

"Other than" typically introduces an exception, while "otherwise than" indicates a manner or method that differs from what's expected. For instance, "Other than that one mistake, the report was excellent" versus "The report was formatted "otherwise than" specified in the guidelines."