something completely different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something completely different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a topic, idea, or situation is entirely unlike what was previously mentioned or expected. Example: "After discussing the project, she suggested we explore something completely different to spark our creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Sport

Travel

Music

Film

Tech

Arts

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's something completely different.

The Guardian

Or do something completely different.

The Economist

Coyle offers something completely different.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Thierry brings something completely different.

The Guardian - Sport

"This was something completely different.

The New York Times

That is something completely different.

The New Yorker

"She was doing something completely different.

The New York Times

For something completely different, there's William Shatner.

The New Yorker

"I wanted to do something completely different.

The New Yorker

We want something completely different," he said.

The Guardian

Redirect your mind to something completely different.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something completely different" when you want to signal a significant change in topic, activity, or perspective. It adds emphasis and suggests a clear break from what preceded it.

Common error

Avoid using "something completely different" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "a different approach" or "a radical departure" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something completely different" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI suggests, it emphasizes a divergence from a previous topic or course of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

12%

Sport

5%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Film

4%

Music

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something completely different" is a versatile phrase used to signal a departure from the ordinary or expected. According to Ludwig AI analysis, the phrase is grammatically sound, widely used, and appears across various contexts, from news and media to academia. While it's a valuable phrase for introducing novelty and change, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternative expressions like ""a different approach"" or ""a radical departure"" to maintain variety and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something entirely distinct

Emphasizes the separateness and uniqueness of the alternative.

an alternative altogether

Highlights that the alternative is total.

a completely different approach

Focuses on a change in methodology or strategy.

an entirely new direction

Suggests a shift in goals or focus.

a totally unrelated matter

Highlights the lack of connection between the current subject and the alternative.

a radical departure

Implies a significant and dramatic change.

a whole new ballgame

Idiomatic expression indicating a completely altered situation.

a different kettle of fish

Idiomatic expression pointing to a different kind of situation or issue.

a world apart

Emphasizes that the distance between the original and alternative is huge.

a complete turnaround

Emphasizes a reversal of a previous course of action or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "something completely different" in a sentence?

You can use "something completely different" to introduce a new topic or suggest a change of direction. For example: "We've been working on this project for months; perhaps we should try "something completely different"."

What are some alternatives to saying "something completely different"?

Alternatives include "a different approach", "a radical departure", or "an entirely new direction depending on the context".

Is it grammatically correct to say "something completely different"?

Yes, "something completely different" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard adjective-adverb-noun structure.

When is it appropriate to use "something completely different" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "something completely different" when you want to emphasize a contrast or a significant shift from the current topic or activity. For example: "After several failed attempts, the company decided to try "something completely different" with their marketing strategy."