very differently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very differently" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is done in a manner that is significantly distinct from another method or approach. Example: "The two teams approached the project very differently, leading to varied outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Theatre in different countries works very differently.

The Guardian

Different tutors interpret it very differently.

BMC Medical Education

Different parts of Switzerland voted very differently.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Goldman fared very differently.

The New York Times - Books

Everyone works very differently.

The Guardian - Sport

They see things very differently.

The New Yorker

Reality played out very differently.

The New York Times

He started out very differently.

The New York Times - Arts

But they work very differently.

The Guardian - Arts

"Others I remember very differently".

The New Yorker

Today, we know very differently.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very differently" to emphasize a significant contrast or distinction between two or more things. This intensifies the sense of difference more than simply stating 'differently'.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "very differently" for emphasis. Vary your language by using alternatives like "markedly", "significantly", or "distinctly" to provide a more nuanced and sophisticated tone to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very differently" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. It emphasizes the degree to which something is done or exists in a distinct or contrasting way, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverbial phrase "very differently" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize a substantial contrast or distinction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to highlight significant differences across various contexts, with a notable presence in news, media, and scientific publications. While versatile, writers should avoid over-reliance on "very differently" by incorporating synonyms such as "markedly dissimilar" or "strikingly distinct" for stylistic variation. Remember to use it when you need to amplify the sense of divergence, ensuring clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strikingly distinct

Highlights a dramatic and obvious difference between the items.

quite contrastingly

Replaces "differently" with "contrastingly" to emphasize the degree of difference.

distinctly unlike

Highlights the uniqueness and separateness of the compared items.

markedly dissimilar

Uses a more formal tone to indicate a notable lack of similarity.

significantly diversely

Emphasizes the variety and magnitude of the differences.

noticeably disparate

Stresses that the items are clearly and observably different.

patently divergent

Highlights the obvious and clear divergence between the items.

radically opposed

Indicates that the items are fundamentally and extremely different.

completely uniquely

Focuses on the total uniqueness and individuality of the items.

entirely contrarily

Emphasizes that the items are in complete opposition to each other.

FAQs

How can I use "very differently" in a sentence?

The phrase "very differently" is used to emphasize a contrast between two or more things. For example, "The two approaches tackled the problem "very differently", resulting in distinct outcomes".

What are some alternatives to "very differently"?

You can use alternatives such as "markedly dissimilar", "significantly diversely", or "strikingly distinct" to convey a strong sense of contrast.

Is it redundant to say "very differently"?

While "differently" already implies a degree of contrast, using "very differently" intensifies this contrast. The appropriateness depends on the context and desired emphasis.

How does "very differently" compare to "slightly differently"?

"Very differently" indicates a substantial contrast, while "slightly differently" suggests a minor variation. The choice depends on the actual degree of difference you wish to convey.