quite different to

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite different to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare two things that are not alike. For example, "John's approach is quite different to mine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They will look quite different to now.

The Guardian

"It's quite different to being a sportsman".

The Guardian

"It looks quite different to what was in my mind.

The Guardian - Sport

She's quite different to me and very volatile.

The Guardian - Music

"It's quite different to the 1,000m," said the Briton.

The Guardian - Sport

(It felt quite different to the Crimean Tatars).

The New Yorker

Patients often had something quite different to say.

The New York Times

But Christie's solution was quite different to Frame's.

The Guardian - Books

What happened here, though, seems quite different to me.

The New York Times

"It's quite different to NTL," says Mr Knapp, breezily.

The Economist

Quite different to being propelled into the quagmire of a Syrian civil war.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite different to", ensure that you clearly identify both items being compared to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This is quite different to that", specify what "this" and "that" refer to.

Common error

Avoid using "quite different to" without providing context or specifics about what is being compared. Vague statements like "It's quite different" can leave the reader confused about the nature and extent of the difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite different to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a notable distinction. It highlights the dissimilarity between two entities, emphasizing that they are not alike. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

14%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite different to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase, effectively conveying a notable distinction between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is accurate and versatile. It predominantly appears in news and media contexts, with notable presence also in scientific writing. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subjects being compared. Alternatives like "markedly distinct from" or "entirely dissimilar to" can add nuance or emphasis to your writing. Avoiding vague comparisons ensures your message is clear and impactful. Ultimately, "quite different to" serves as a valuable tool for highlighting dissimilarities, adding precision to your expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather different from

Slightly alters the intensity using "rather" instead of "quite", offering a milder emphasis on the difference.

markedly distinct from

Emphasizes a more significant difference using stronger vocabulary like "markedly" and "distinct".

differs substantially from

Indicates a considerable difference in terms of quantity or degree.

entirely dissimilar to

Indicates a complete lack of resemblance, intensifying the difference.

diverges significantly from

Implies a separation or deviation, often used in more formal contexts.

bears little resemblance to

Focuses on the lack of similarity rather than directly stating a difference.

stands in contrast to

Highlights the opposition or dissimilarity between two things.

a world apart from

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey a vast difference.

not at all like

A simpler, more direct way to express that something is not similar.

contrary to

Implies an opposition or contradiction, often used to introduce an opposing viewpoint.

FAQs

How can I use "quite different to" in a sentence?

Use "quite different to" to highlight the distinctions between two subjects. For instance, "Her management style is "quite different to" his", indicating notable variations in their approaches.

What are some alternatives to "quite different to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "markedly distinct from", "entirely dissimilar to", or "differs substantially from", which offer varying degrees of emphasis on the dissimilarity.

Is it correct to say "quite different than" instead of "quite different to"?

While "different than" is acceptable in American English, ""quite different to"" is more common and preferred in British English. Therefore, correctness often depends on the regional context.

What's the difference between "quite different to" and "slightly different to"?

"Quite different to" indicates a notable or significant dissimilarity, while "slightly different to" suggests only a minor or subtle variation. The choice depends on the extent of the difference you wish to emphasize.