somewhat different than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat different than" is commonly used in written English, but it is considered less formal than "somewhat different from." You can use it when comparing two things that have notable differences, though "somewhat different from" is preferred in formal writing.
Example: "The new design is somewhat different than the previous version, incorporating more modern elements."

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

which are somewhat different than their Afrian cousins.

The New Yorker

All of those people had a mission that was somewhat different than mine.

Harvard University

Two big questions look somewhat different than they did 10 or 20 years ago.

Harvard University

Intertainer's tale is somewhat different than other intellectual property suits brought by technology licensing firms.

The New York Times

"Our questions are somewhat different than just 'documentary theater,' " he said.

The New York Times

Today, the set of affluent and despotic is somewhat different than it was 20 years ago.

The New York Times

It's simply that the 'prudent man' standard is somewhat different than a best choice standard".

The New York Times

The particular requirements of our situation are somewhat different than the usual cases addressed in the literature.

Stanford University

This type of assessment is somewhat different than that of traditional operational performance and diagnostic type model evaluation.

Environmental Modelling & Software

The racecar driver and automotive tuner Carroll Shelby's definition of reality is somewhat different than that of most folks.

The New York Times

The culture and etiquette is somewhat different than what I knew, but I have adjusted to that now.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "somewhat different than" is commonly used, consider using "somewhat different from" in formal writing to maintain a more polished and grammatically standard tone.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat different than" in highly formal documents like academic papers or legal briefs. Opt for "somewhat different from" or other more formal alternatives to ensure consistency in tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat different than" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a degree of dissimilarity. As Ludwig AI suggests, while common, it's often considered less formal than "somewhat different from."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

28%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat different than" is a frequently used comparative phrase indicating a moderate level of dissimilarity. As Ludwig AI explains, although prevalent across diverse domains, ranging from news articles to academic papers, it carries a slightly informal connotation. For more formal writing, "somewhat different from" is the recommended alternative. This preference stems from established grammatical conventions. When choosing between the two, consider the target audience and desired level of formality, ensuring consistency throughout the writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately different than

Synonymous with "somewhat different than", maintaining a similar level of intensity.

slightly different than

Indicates a smaller degree of difference compared to "somewhat different than".

a little different than

Similar to "a bit different than", but slightly more formal.

a bit different than

An informal way of expressing a small degree of difference.

marginally different than

Suggests an even smaller and less significant difference.

somewhat distinct from

Replaces "different" with "distinct", implying a clearer separation.

noticeably different than

Emphasizes that the difference is easily observed.

partly different than

Highlights that only some aspects are different, while others remain the same.

relatively different than

Indicates that the difference exists in relation to something else.

not entirely the same as

Emphasizes the lack of complete identity between the two things being compared.

FAQs

Is "somewhat different than" grammatically correct?

While widely used, "somewhat different than" is often considered less formal. The more grammatically correct and preferred alternative, especially in formal contexts, is "somewhat different from".

What's the difference between "somewhat different than" and "somewhat different from"?

The difference is primarily one of formality. "Somewhat different from" is generally considered more grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing, while "somewhat different than" is more common in informal contexts.

When should I use "somewhat different than"?

Use "somewhat different than" in informal settings, casual conversations, or when writing for a general audience where strict grammatical correctness is not paramount. However, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

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

You can use alternatives like "slightly different than", "moderately different than", or "somewhat distinct from depending" on the context.