this differs from

USAGE SUMMARY

"this differs from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two things when one is distinct from the other. For example, "This version of the song differs from the original."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This differs from AAE, see (14) above.

Yale University

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 what we call reliability engineering.

Petrochemical Machinery Insights

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

This differs from extradition, and the magistrate judge's confusion on the point should be challenged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this differs from", clearly identify both subjects being compared to ensure clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid burying "this differs from" within a convoluted sentence. Place it early in the clause to maintain focus on the contrast.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this differs from" serves as a comparative connector, indicating a distinction between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for written English. It introduces a contrast, setting the stage for explaining the differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

28%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this differs from" is a versatile phrase used to highlight distinctions between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. Its neutral to formal register makes it appropriate for both general and professional writing. To ensure clarity, clearly identify both subjects being compared. Alternatives such as "this contrasts with" or "this is distinct from" can be used to add nuance. Avoid complex sentence structures to maintain focus on the comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this differs in

Highlights the aspect in which the difference occurs.

this is distinct from

Highlights a clear and recognizable difference.

this contrasts with

Emphasizes a strong difference or opposition between two things.

this is dissimilar to

Formally states that two things are not alike.

this varies from

Indicates a deviation or change from a norm or standard.

this deviates from

Implies a departure from a usual course or standard.

this diverges from

Suggests a separation or moving in a different direction.

this is unlike

Suggests dissimilarity, often used when something is unexpected.

this bears no resemblance to

Emphasizes the lack of similarity between two things.

the difference is that

Introduces an explanation of the difference.

FAQs

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

Use "this differs from" to highlight the distinctions between two subjects. For example, "This approach "this differs from" the traditional method in its focus on preventative measures."

What are some alternatives to "this differs from"?

You can use alternatives such as "this contrasts with", "this is unlike", or "this is distinct from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "this differs from" or "this is different than"?

"This differs from" is generally considered more formal than "this is different than". The latter is more common in informal speech, while the former is better suited for academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "this differs from" and "this deviates from"?

"This differs from" generally indicates a simple distinction, while "this deviates from" implies a departure from a norm or expected standard.