unlike that

USAGE SUMMARY

"unlike that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to compare one thing with another. For example, "I like running in the mornings, unlike that I don't like running in the evenings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cloud cover on Venus is ubiquitous, unlike that found on Earth and Mars.

Earth, Planets and Space

Our spaceship Earth is not unlike that boat at sea.

Huffington Post

The Tanzanian situation is not unlike that found in other sub-Saharan countries.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Unlike that one, this epidemic is real.

The New Yorker

This is unlike that.

The New Yorker

Not unlike that definition.

The Guardian

It sounded not unlike that afternoon's rehearsal.

The New York Times - Arts

But unlike that band, they never seem to be overreaching.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Guattari's background was unlike that of any of his peers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But unlike that polarizing model, the wagon seems well-proportioned.

The New York Times

Nor, unlike that downtrodden group, do Muslims lack inspiring torchbearers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unlike that" to clearly differentiate between two subjects or situations, ensuring the comparison is evident to the reader. Be sure "that" has a clear referent.

Common error

Avoid using "unlike that" if the 'that' lacks a clear and immediate antecedent in the text. This can lead to confusion and weaken the comparison. Make sure "that" is very explicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unlike that" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of comparison. It introduces a contrast between a subject and something previously mentioned or implied. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts to highlight differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unlike that" is a versatile phrase used to draw comparisons and highlight differences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While seemingly straightforward, it's important to ensure the referent of 'that' is clear to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "in contrast to that" or "different from that" for more formal settings or when greater emphasis is needed. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively integrate "unlike that" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to that

Emphasizes direct opposition or contradiction, slightly stronger than "unlike that".

different from that

States a clear distinction, focusing on the dissimilarity.

in contrast to that

Highlights the differences between two things, often used for emphasis.

as opposed to that

Indicates a clear choice or preference between two options.

dissimilar to that

Focuses on the lack of resemblance or similarity.

distinct from that

Highlights the separate and unique nature of something.

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting viewpoint or aspect.

by contrast

Signals a noticeable difference or comparison.

conversely

Indicates an opposite or reversed situation.

whereas

Introduces a statement that contrasts with a previous one.

FAQs

How can I use "unlike that" in a sentence?

Use "unlike that" to draw a contrast between two things. For example, "This year's sales are booming, "unlike that" of last year."

What's a more formal alternative to "unlike that"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "in contrast to that" or "contrary to that".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what "that" refers to when using "unlike that"?

While not always mandatory, it's best practice to ensure the reference is clear to avoid ambiguity. If the context doesn't immediately make it obvious, rephrase to be more explicit. For example, instead of "unlike that", use "unlike the previous method".

What's the difference between "unlike that" and "different from that"?

While similar, "different from that" simply states a difference, whereas "unlike that" implies a more significant or unexpected contrast. The nuance is slight but can affect the tone.