this differs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this differs" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when comparing two or more things to highlight a difference. For example, "This differs from the previous model in several key aspects." Alternative expressions include "this contrasts," "this varies," and "this is different."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This differs from selection processes practised by LEAs.

The Guardian

It is unclear how this differs from the "administrative" misdemeanour.

The Guardian

This differs from Parliament's proposals in several ways.

The Economist

This differs from losses that occur as a result of insufficient nutrition.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This differs starkly from federal court where the opportunity to crossexamine and confront witnesses is sacrosanct.

The Guardian - Opinion

What's unclear is how this differs from old-fashioned political organizing.

The New York Times

This differs from typical teaching, in which students do (or watch) "experiments" that yield expected results.

The New York Times

This differs from earlier guidelines, which advised staying home for seven days.

The New York Times

This differs from the business model in the United States and Europe, which is subscription-based.

The New York Times

"If it is a straightforward, regional PR campaign this differs greatly to a national campaign and my fees alter accordingly.

The Guardian

This differs from bridge in that a double establishes the last bid as the contract.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this differs", ensure you clearly identify both subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity. For example, "This method differs from the traditional approach in its emphasis on individual learning."

Common error

Avoid using "this differs" without specifying what it differs from. Always provide context to ensure clarity. For example, instead of "This differs", write "This result differs from the previous study."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this differs" functions as a comparative statement, indicating a distinction or divergence between two or more entities. This function is evident across numerous examples provided by Ludwig, highlighting its utility in expressing differences across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this differs" is a versatile and commonly used expression for highlighting distinctions and variations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse contexts, from scientific publications to news articles. When using "this differs", clarity is paramount; ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly identified. While generally neutral in register, its precision makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Consider alternatives like "this varies" or "this contrasts" to add nuance to your writing. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively leverage "this differs" to enhance clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this varies

Emphasizes that something changes or is not constant.

this contrasts

Highlights a striking difference between two things.

this diverges

Indicates a deviation or branching off from a common point.

this stands apart

Stresses the uniqueness or distinctiveness of something.

this is distinct

Focuses on the clear and recognizable difference.

this is dissimilar

Directly states that two things are not alike.

this departs from

Suggests a move away from a standard or norm.

this deviates

Implies a straying from a typical path or method.

this bears no resemblance

Highlights a complete lack of similarity.

this does not equate

Indicates that two things are not equivalent or comparable.

FAQs

How can I use "this differs" in a sentence?

Use "this differs" to highlight a distinction between two or more subjects. For example, "The approach in this study "this differs" from conventional methods."

What are some alternatives to "this differs"?

You can use alternatives such as "this varies", "this contrasts", or "this diverges" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "this differs from" or "this differs to"?

The correct usage is "this differs from". The preposition "from" is used to indicate the point of departure or distinction.

What's the difference between "this differs" and "this is different"?

While both phrases indicate a distinction, ""this differs"" often implies a more specific or significant divergence, whereas "this is different" is a more general statement of dissimilarity.