something else than

USAGE SUMMARY

"something else than" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to compare two different objects, ideas, or events. For example, "I wanted something else than a hamburger for lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think there is something else than that".

The New York Times

People want a leadership based on something else than fear.

The Guardian

Two thirds were doing something else than taking class notes., or anything related to the class.

Stanford University

It may be that something else than prohibition would have satisfied the conditions.

Cornell University

Or perhaps it can tell us something else than what we expected.

The Guardian

But isn't it possible that reading pleasure might consist in something else than jollity of tone or outcome?

Independent

"With melodies so catchy, if they were about something else than bathrooms, would they be standards now?" Young wonders.

The New Yorker

I'd rather have tried and failed and then gone onto something else than not tried at all".

The Guardian

If it be of something else than money, the trustee must account for it according to the terms of the trust, and upon principles of equity.

Harvard University

Unless you are an FRS at a young age, it is better to do something else than soldier on in the stratosphere of the Cambridge Maths Faculty.

Independent

I know that's what Aronofsky wanted out of her, but I would have liked to see her as something else than a neurotic victim.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "something other than" for a more contemporary and widely accepted phrasing in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid substituting "then" for "than". "Than" is used for comparisons, while "then" indicates time or consequence. For example, it should be "something else than this", not "something else then this".

Linguistic Context

"Something else than" functions as a comparative phrase, setting up a contrast between two distinct elements. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid, although other options may exist.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

21%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Science & Research

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something else than" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative phrase to indicate a difference or alternative. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, but it is crucial to consider context and audience when selecting phrasing. While the phrase is versatile, "something other than" may be more suitable for formal writing. Common errors include confusing "than" with "then". The phrase is commonly used in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something other than

This alternative is a more common and often preferred way to express the same meaning.

other than

A shorter, more direct way to indicate an exception or alternative.

anything other than

This option broadens the scope to include any alternative, emphasizing exclusion.

something different from

This phrase focuses on the difference in nature between two things.

something besides

This alternative offers a slightly more informal way to indicate an addition or alternative.

a different thing than

This option emphasizes the difference in a more explicit way.

something apart from

This phrase emphasizes the separation or distinctness of one thing from another.

something instead of

This highlights the substitution of one thing for another.

rather than

A more concise way to express preference or substitution.

as opposed to

This alternative presents a direct contrast between two options.

FAQs

What does "something else than" mean?

The phrase "something else than" is used to indicate that something is different or distinct from a specified item or idea. It introduces an alternative or exception.

Which is more common, "something else than" or "something other than"?

"Something other than" is generally considered more common and stylistically preferred in contemporary English. You can use alternatives like "something other than".

Can I use "something instead of" in place of "something else than"?

While they share a similar meaning of substitution, "something instead of" is generally used when one thing is being replaced by another, whereas "something else than" emphasizes the difference or alternative. Depending on the context you can use "something instead of".

Is "something else than" formal or informal?

The phrase is acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives like "something other than" might be favored in more formal writing. Consider the audience when selecting your phrasing.