something different than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something different than" is not considered standard in written English; the correct form is "something different from." You can use it when comparing two things to highlight their differences, but it should be phrased as "something different from." Example: "This new product is something different from what we usually offer."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

TV was something different than just radio with voices.

University of California, Berkeley

"But he wants to do something different than just hate".

The New York Times

She needs to come up with something different than that.

The Guardian

"Berkshire stands for something different than most companies," he says.

The New York Times

Meaning that we see something different than we mathematically extrapolate to map?

Cornell University

"I wanted her to see me in something different than what I already wore".

The New York Times

"So it is something different than guards are used to seeing.

The New York Times - Sports

"But he knew it was something different than what other people are doing at midnight".

The New York Times

But of course it's something different than sex education when you're 14 or 15.

The Guardian

CHIEF JUSTICE REHNQUIST -- But does that mean something different than arises out of, or stems from?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Resolutions are all about taking action, meaning: doing something different than you were doing before.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two things, use the construction "something different from" to adhere to standard English grammar. For example, instead of saying "This car is something different than my old one", say "This car is something different from my old one".

Common error

Avoid using "than" after "different"; the correct preposition is "from". "Than" is typically used for comparisons involving adjectives in their comparative form (e.g., "larger than").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something different than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that one thing is not the same as another. Although commonly used, Ludwig AI highlights that standard English prefers "something different from".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "something different than" is a very common way to express dissimilarity or distinction. However, Ludwig AI advises that it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "something different from". While you'll find "something different than" used frequently across various sources, particularly in news and media, it's best to opt for "something different from" in formal writing and professional contexts to maintain grammatical accuracy. Alternatives such as "something other than" or "something distinct from" can also be used to achieve a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something different from

Corrects the grammatical error while maintaining the original meaning.

something other than

Emphasizes a clear separation or exclusion from the original item.

something distinct from

Highlights the unique and separate nature of the alternative.

something dissimilar to

Focuses on the lack of resemblance between the items.

something unlike

Simple and direct way to indicate a lack of similarity.

a departure from

Suggests a deviation or shift away from the original.

an alternative to

Presents a choice or substitute for the original.

a variation on

Indicates a modified or adapted version of the original.

a contrast to

Highlights the differences and opposing nature of the items.

an exception to

Denotes something that does not follow the typical pattern or rule.

FAQs

Which is correct, "something different than" or "something different from"?

"Something different from" is the grammatically correct phrasing. "Something different than" is often used in informal speech, but it's best to use "something different from" in formal writing.

What can I say instead of "something different than"?

Consider using "something other than", "something distinct from", or "something unlike" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I remember to use "from" instead of "than" after "different"?

Think of "different from" as indicating a separation or distinction, similar to how "from" is used to indicate origin or source. This can help you remember the correct preposition to use.

Is "different to" ever correct?

"Different to" is sometimes used in British English, but "different from" is generally preferred and more widely accepted, especially in American English. For clarity and broader understanding, "different from" is the better choice.