totally different from

USAGE SUMMARY

"totally different from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that two things are very different from each other. For example, "The climate in Canada is totally different from the climate in Brazil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's totally different from normal".

The Guardian

That is not totally different from Freud.

The New York Times - Health

He's totally different from most religious comedians.

The New Yorker

"That's totally different from what I do.

The New York Times

"Sean is totally different from John.

The New York Times

It's totally different from being a parent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's totally different from Johnny's," he said.

The New York Times

He said: "It's totally different from before.

Independent

"It's totally different from an indoor pool".

The New York Times

Your lifestyle is totally different from the average person.

University of California, Berkeley

"It was totally different from any course I ever taught.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally different from" to clearly emphasize a significant contrast between two subjects. This phrase is effective when you want to highlight that the items being compared share very few, if any, similarities.

Common error

While "totally different from" is acceptable, avoid stacking intensifiers (e.g., "absolutely totally completely different") as it can sound redundant and weaken your writing. Choose one strong intensifier that accurately conveys the degree of difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally different from" functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe how it contrasts significantly with something else. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its role in highlighting distinctions between various subjects, reinforcing its function as a comparative element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "totally different from" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a significant contrast between two things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s perfectly acceptable in written English. It's frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, signifying a broad applicability. To avoid sounding repetitive, consider using alternatives like "completely unlike" or "entirely dissimilar to". While effective, remember to avoid overusing intensifiers for clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely dissimilar to

Replaces "totally" with "entirely" and "different" with "dissimilar", emphasizing the lack of resemblance.

completely unlike

Uses "completely" instead of "totally" and replaces "different from" with "unlike", offering a more concise expression of dissimilarity.

distinct from

Employs the word "distinct" to highlight the separateness and clear difference between two things.

in stark contrast to

Highlights the sharpness and obviousness of the difference between two things.

bears no resemblance to

This idiom emphasizes the absence of similarity, using a more emphatic and figurative expression.

fundamentally divergent from

Emphasizes that the difference lies in the core or foundation of the things being compared.

a world apart from

Uses a spatial metaphor to illustrate the vast difference, suggesting a significant disparity.

poles apart from

Employs a directional metaphor to highlight extreme difference, suggesting opposite characteristics.

nothing like

Offers a more informal way to express that something is not at all similar to something else.

as different as chalk and cheese

An idiomatic expression conveying extreme dissimilarity using the imagery of two very different substances.

FAQs

How can I use "totally different from" in a sentence?

Use "totally different from" to emphasize a significant contrast. For example: "The culture in Tokyo is "totally different from" what I expected."

What are some alternatives to "totally different from"?

You can use alternatives like "completely unlike", "entirely dissimilar to", or "distinct from" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "totally" with "different from"?

No, using "different from" alone is perfectly acceptable and often sufficient. The addition of "totally" simply emphasizes the degree of difference. Omit if emphasis is unnecessary.

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

"Different than" is sometimes used, but "different from" is generally preferred in formal writing. "Totally different from" emphasizes a greater degree of dissimilarity than a simple "different from" statement.