something fundamentally different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something fundamentally different" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant or essential change or distinction between two or more things. Example: "The new policy represents something fundamentally different from our previous approach to employee management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Can these supposed distinctions be traced to something fundamentally different between the two generations, or are these perceived differences simply a factor of age and the fact that Baby Boomers, who are around 55, have different needs than Millennials, who are roughly 25?

Huffington Post

"Sony is doing incredibly well with the PS4 but they're doing something fundamentally different from us.

The Guardian - Tech

After 12 years of any mayor, they reasoned, the electorate craved something fundamentally different in substance and style.

The New York Times

"We think that we're doing something fundamentally different," said Dr. Richard F. Selden, Transkaryotic's founder and chief executive.

The New York Times

There is something fundamentally different about experience in a genuine race in the runup to a big competition.

The Guardian

Much the same point can be made against attempts to take comfort in the idea that there is something fundamentally different between human minds and computers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

That's where hash browns come in, or "morning chips" as I call them: the vague cooking process of chips (warming a small portion of potato w/ a lot of oil) but something wholly, fundamentally different, and also something you can crucially warm from frozen in your own oven and eat inside a sandwich.

Vice

What occurred, of course, was something fundamentally, jarringly different.

The New York Times

Send your emails to him now please, on [email protected] Updated at 1.39am GMT 1.33am GMT And finally: Here's Matt Dony: "Right, something is fundamentally different between this series and the previous few.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet, something is fundamentally different between Twitter and Anonymous Ephemeral apps.

TechCrunch

"I think we have something very fundamentally different" from previous attempts to develop an anti-amyloid treatment for Alzheimer's disease, said Li-Huei Tsai, a senior author of the new paper.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something fundamentally different" to emphasize a core or essential distinction, rather than a superficial one.

Common error

Avoid using "something fundamentally different" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Consider alternative ways to express distinctions to maintain clarity and emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something fundamentally different" functions as a noun phrase that describes a quality or characteristic. It is often used to emphasize a significant distinction or departure from a norm. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something fundamentally different" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to emphasize a key distinction between two entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is valid and useful in written English. Analysis of its usage reveals that it commonly appears in news and media, science, and encyclopedias, implying a register that is largely neutral. While the phrase is correct, it should be used judiciously to maintain its impact. Remember to consider alternative expressions like "something radically different" or "something entirely distinct" to prevent overuse and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something radically different

Emphasizes the extent of the difference, suggesting a major departure from the norm.

something entirely distinct

Highlights the separateness and lack of overlap between the items being compared.

a completely different paradigm

Focuses on a shift in underlying assumptions or frameworks.

a sea change

Implies a large-scale and transformative shift.

a world apart

Stresses the vast distance and incompatibility between two things.

a game changer

Highlights the transformative impact of something new.

a different kettle of fish

An idiomatic way of saying that something is not comparable to something else.

an altogether new approach

Emphasizes the novelty and innovative nature of something.

a departure from the norm

Highlights the deviation from typical or expected behavior.

a quantum leap

Suggests a sudden and significant advancement or change.

FAQs

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

Use "something fundamentally different" to highlight an essential or core difference between two things. For example: "The new approach represents "something fundamentally different" from what we've done before."

What are some alternatives to "something fundamentally different"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "something radically different", "something entirely distinct", or "a completely different paradigm".

When is it appropriate to use "something fundamentally different"?

Use "something fundamentally different" when you want to emphasize that the difference is not superficial but affects the core nature or function of the things being compared.

Is "something fundamentally different" formal or informal?

The phrase "something fundamentally different" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the overall tone and content of your writing.