this is different to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is different to" is not considered standard in formal written English; "different from" is preferred.
You can use it in informal contexts or in British English, where it may be more accepted. Example: "This is different to what I expected based on the previous reports."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One wonders how this is different to those who find "palatable by reason of their difference with" them, the killing of hundreds of unarmed protestors.

Huffington Post

This is different to reliability which examines whether an individuals' reported participation differed significantly from test to retest.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

This is different to previous presidential elections.

The Economist

"This is different to say the least.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is different to a James Bond film.

The Guardian

"Its difficult to compare achievements, and this is different to football," he said of the cancer trust in February.

The New York Times - Sports

How I made it is just incredibly obsessively, and this is different to Ghost in that it has a roof - I've never done that before.

The Guardian

This is different to the more wistful Fury I met last September, on a beautiful autumnal afternoon in Essen, a small town in Belgium.

The Guardian - Sport

"At the end of practice," Ramos later said, "he was telling me this is different to the way they do it at his club.

The New York Times - Sports

Follow Bill on Instagram at bill.granger Fried tofu green curry This is different to a classic Thai green curry in that it's quite dry.

Independent

This is different to USA, Canada, Australia and Germany who are extending their post-study work offer in recognition of the skills that international students can offer their job markets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "this is different to" is commonly used, especially in British English, consider using "this is different from" in formal writing to adhere to standard grammatical conventions.

Common error

Avoid mixing "different to" and "different from" within the same document. Choose one and maintain consistency to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is different to" functions as a comparative statement, indicating a distinction or dissimilarity between two subjects. As Ludwig AI explains, while acceptable, especially in British English, it's often seen as less formal than its counterpart.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is different to" is a common way to express dissimilarity, particularly in British English. However, it is often considered less formal than "this is different from", which is generally preferred in formal writing. Ludwig AI emphasizes that while acceptable, especially in British English, it's often seen as less formal than its counterpart. Examples from Ludwig highlight its use across various contexts, including science and news media. When writing, consider your audience and the level of formality required, opting for "different from" in more formal settings to adhere to standard grammatical conventions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This differs from

This is considered the more grammatically correct and formal alternative to 'different to'.

This is unlike

This alternative uses a simpler adjective to indicate dissimilarity.

This contrasts with

This alternative highlights the differences by emphasizing the contrast between two things.

This diverges from

This alternative suggests a more significant deviation or departure.

This is distinct from

This alternative emphasizes the clear and recognizable separation between two things.

This varies from

This alternative indicates differences that may not be substantial but are still noticeable.

This is dissimilar to

This alternative provides a more formal way of expressing that two things are not alike.

This bears no resemblance to

This alternative underscores the lack of similarity, indicating a significant difference.

This stands apart from

This alternative emphasizes the uniqueness and separation of something from others.

This is at odds with

This alternative indicates a contradiction or conflict between two things.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "this is different to"?

While commonly used, especially in British English, "this is different from" is generally considered more grammatically correct in formal writing. However, both are widely understood.

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

The difference is primarily one of grammatical preference and regional usage. "This is different from" is the standard form, while "this is different to" is more common in British English. The meaning is essentially the same.

What can I say instead of "this is different to"?

You can use alternatives like "this is unlike", "this contrasts with", or "this differs from" depending on the context.

When should I use "this is different to" versus "this is different from"?

Use "this is different from" in formal writing and when adhering to strict grammatical standards. "This is different to" is acceptable in informal contexts, especially if writing for a British audience.