very different from

USAGE SUMMARY

"very different from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about two items or things that are noticeably different from one another. For example, "The two items are very different from each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm very different from that".

The New Yorker

She looked very different from everyone else.

Independent

Some espouse views very different from his.

The Economist

But this feels very different from that.

The New York Times

The area is very different from Africa.

The New York Times

They need someone very different from Ballmer.

The New Yorker

"They're very different from regular trucks.

The New York Times

Times very different from these?

The Guardian

Very different from last night.

The Guardian - Books

It's very different from boxing.

The New York Times - Sports

She's very different from Sue".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very different from" to clearly emphasize the contrast between two subjects. This phrase is more impactful than simply saying 'different'.

Common error

While "very different from" is acceptable, avoid overusing 'very' in your writing. Consider using stronger, more descriptive adjectives to convey the degree of difference, such as 'markedly', 'significantly', or 'distinctly'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very different from" functions as a prepositional phrase used to express a significant degree of dissimilarity between two entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase. The examples confirm its use in comparing various subjects, emphasizing their distinctions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very different from" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize a substantial dissimilarity between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While 'very' adds emphasis, stronger alternatives might be considered for more descriptive writing. As demonstrated in the examples in Ludwig, it is most frequently used in news and media contexts to clearly highlight distinctions. Be mindful of overuse and explore alternatives to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dissimilar to

A more formal and direct way of expressing a lack of similarity.

differs significantly from

Indicates a notable variation or divergence.

quite unlike

Implies a strong dissimilarity, almost to the point of being opposites.

markedly dissimilar to

Emphasizes a noticeable and significant difference.

substantially distinct from

Highlights a considerable degree of separateness.

bears little resemblance to

Indicates a lack of similarity in appearance or characteristics.

contrasts sharply with

Focuses on the striking differences when compared side by side.

a far cry from

Suggests a significant difference, often implying improvement or decline.

bears no comparison to

Suggests the items are so different, a comparison is not meaningful.

worlds apart from

Highlights an extreme degree of separation or difference.

FAQs

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

Use "very different from" to highlight substantial dissimilarities between two subjects. For example, "Her approach to the problem was "very different from" mine."

What phrases can I use instead of "very different from"?

Alternatives include phrases like "markedly dissimilar to", "significantly different from", or "substantially distinct from" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very different from each other"?

While not strictly redundant, "very different from each other" can often be shortened to "very different" without losing meaning, especially when the context already implies a comparison.

What's the difference between "different from" and "very different from"?

"Different from" simply indicates a dissimilarity, while ""very different from"" emphasizes a significant or substantial dissimilarity. The addition of 'very' amplifies the degree of difference.