really different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'really different' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that two things are not only different, but very different. For example: "That painting is really different from the one in the next room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Really different.

University of California, Berkeley

It's really different.

The New York Times

"But it's really different.

The New Yorker

"He's really different".

The New York Times

"Really different," he emphasized.

The New York Times

It looks really different.

Yale University

But you're really different.

The Guardian

These are really different".

The New York Times - Sports

They were really different".

The New Yorker

Really different, really special.

The Guardian - Books

So it's really different".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really different" to emphasize a significant contrast, not just a minor variation. For example, 'The climate in the mountains is "really different" from the coastal weather'.

Common error

Avoid using "really" excessively as it can weaken your writing. Consider stronger alternatives like 'significantly', 'substantially', or 'markedly' to convey a more impactful difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really different" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to emphasize the degree of difference. Ludwig shows it is frequently used to highlight notable distinctions. As Ludwig AI points out, it indicates a significant contrast.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

27%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "really different" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that serves to emphasize a significant degree of dissimilarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its role in conveying substantial contrast. Found most commonly in News & Media and Academic sources, "really different" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When writing, ensure that its use accurately reflects a notable distinction and consider stronger alternatives for a more impactful expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuinely distinct

Emphasizes authenticity and uniqueness in the difference.

markedly dissimilar

Highlights a noticeable and clear contrast.

substantially varied

Focuses on the degree and extent of the difference.

strikingly contrasting

Indicates a powerful and easily observable difference.

distinctively unique

Combines the idea of difference with inherent individuality.

categorically disparate

Implies a clear and well-defined separation.

appreciably divergent

Stresses the noticeable deviation from a norm or standard.

noticeably altered

Highlights a change that is easily perceived.

uniquely individual

Focuses on the distinct character of a single entity.

patently different

Emphasizes that the difference is obvious and undeniable.

FAQs

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

You can use "really different" to emphasize that something is significantly unlike something else. For example, "This new software is "entirely different" from what we used before".

What can I say instead of "really different"?

Alternatives to "really different" include "significantly different", "markedly different", or "substantially different", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "very different" instead of "really different"?

Yes, "very different" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "really different". Both phrases convey a high degree of dissimilarity, but "significantly different" might sound more formal.

What's the difference between "somewhat different" and "really different"?

"Somewhat different" indicates a slight degree of variation, while "really different" emphasizes a significant and noticeable contrast. Think of "slightly different" versus something that is worlds apart.