patently different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patently different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is clearly or obviously different from something else. Example: "The two proposals are patently different in their approach to solving the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Nokia recently settled a similar quarrel with Apple.In this section Inventive warfare Patently different Lay off my red-soled shoes Shock to the system Charge of the LED brigade Stuck in low gear Buzzing into Brazil ReprintsWhat is going on?

The Economist

They are, patently, different characters and it seemed enlightening that, where Bale has previously been happy to call it on with England – to take a few tongue-in-cheek pot-shots at them before the group-stage fixture – he seemed aware that he had to draw a line with Ronaldo.

The Guardian - Sport

"Many JetBlue investors we speak with are under the impression there's something patently different about its model, some core über-profitability that's waiting to be tapped," Jamie Baker, an analyst at J. P. Morgan Securities said in a report last month.

The New York Times

In a 30-page document filed with Federal District Court in Washington, the Justice Department and 19 states suing the company characterized its arguments as a strained effort at knocking down legal "straw men" and an attempt to "apply to this case out-of-context passages from decisions involving patently different market circumstances".

The New York Times

As seen from the curves in the figure, the results from the two methods are patently different.

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications

But the reaction from D.C. when the right begins its assault is patently different and distressing.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Gisela Stuart, a former minister and leading Blairite, yesterday attacked the government's insistence that the new treaty was different from the abandoned constitution as "patently dishonest".

The Guardian

"It is patently not right for the law to be different in one part of the country from what it is in another, and that is very much the case now".

The New York Times

Growing up as I did, on the Ojibwe Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota, it was patently obvious to me that Indians came in all different shapes and colors.

The New York Times

Requiring that there be at least some thing different from sound which is both audible and non-eternal is an obvious and plausible way to eliminate such patently unpersuasive arguments.

SEP

Patently untrue.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patently different" to emphasize a clear and obvious distinction between two or more things, especially when the difference is crucial to your argument or understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "patently different" in very casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "obviously different" or "clearly distinct" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently different" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun or concept to emphasize the obvious and undeniable nature of its difference. Ludwig examples show it used to describe market circumstances, characters, and results, highlighting clear distinctions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patently different" is a phrase used to assert a clear and obvious distinction between two or more things. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal writing. While effective for emphasizing differences, it's important to consider the register and choose simpler alternatives like "obviously distinct" or "clearly distinguishable" in more casual settings. Remember to reserve "patently different" for situations where the distinction is crucial and undeniable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obviously distinct

Focuses on the clear and easily noticeable separation between two things.

manifestly distinct

Similar to 'obviously distinct', but emphasizes a public or easily perceived difference.

patently unlike

A more direct alternative, simply stating they are not alike.

clearly distinguishable

Highlights the ability to tell the difference easily.

unquestionably different

Highlights that the difference is so clear, it cannot be doubted.

plainly dissimilar

Emphasizes the straightforward and evident lack of similarity.

markedly contrasting

Suggests a strong and noticeable opposition between the items.

visibly diverse

Highlights the observable differences in variety or type.

evidently disparate

Indicates a fundamental lack of common ground or connection.

unmistakably divergent

Stresses the clear and undeniable deviation from a common path.

FAQs

How can I use "patently different" in a sentence?

Use "patently different" to highlight an obvious and clear distinction. For example, "The two approaches to the problem are "patently different" in their methodologies."

What are some alternatives to "patently different"?

You can use alternatives like "obviously distinct", "clearly distinguishable", or "plainly dissimilar" depending on the context.

Is "patently different" formal or informal?

"Patently different" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, consider using "obviously different" or "clearly different" instead.

What's the difference between "patently different" and "slightly different"?

"Patently different" implies a very clear and easily noticeable difference, while "slightly different" suggests a minor or subtle variation. Use "patently different" when the distinction is significant and obvious.