very much different

USAGE SUMMARY

"very much different" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the difference between two things or to emphasize how different something is. For example: "Her reaction to this situation was very much different than I expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The conductance data are analysed in terms of the Fuoss-Onsager-Skinner equation for conductance of dissociated electrolytes because the difference in the experimental and the theoretical Onsager slopes are not very much different and straight line plots are obtained between Δc versus √.

Electrochimica Acta

But my experience at Westminster was very much different.

The Guardian

"This plan is not really very much different than the last ones.

The New York Times

"It's a 10-minute bus ride from Nice, and yet it's very much different," he went on.

The New York Times - Travel

"He didn't sound very much different than he did in the 40's and 50's and 60's," said his wife, Iris Cornell.

The New York Times - Arts

It's ironic because the science of aerodynamics has determined that most motors do not look very much different from one another.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The nature of these terms can differ very much as different beam geometries and boundary conditions are considered.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Hosseini is 48 – not exactly Methuselan then, but old enough to look back on his first two novels and see a different writer: a writer for whom cruelty and benevolence were very much two different colours.

The Guardian - Books

He started it all, but I feel we are very much a different generation".

The Guardian - Arts

It was the whole health-care system for America, and it was very much a different focus.

The New Yorker

"I'm very much two different kinds of people, there's just these total opposites all the time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing contrast, place "very much different" near the elements being compared for clarity. For example, "The experimental results were "very much different" from the predicted outcomes."

Common error

Avoid adding adverbs like 'completely' or 'totally' before "very much different", as they can be redundant. The phrase already conveys a significant degree of difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very much different" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective 'different'. It's used to emphasize the degree or extent of dissimilarity between two or more things. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use, seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

58%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very much different" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to emphasize a notable degree of dissimilarity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and general communication. While versatile, remember to avoid redundancy and maintain clarity by placing the phrase near the items being compared. Consider alternatives like "considerably dissimilar" or "markedly distinct" for nuanced expression. By paying attention to best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "very much different" to convey significant contrasts in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely different

Highlights that they do not share features, or the same nature.

considerably dissimilar

Emphasizes a notable degree of unlikeness.

markedly distinct

Highlights a clear and easily noticeable difference.

radically divergent

Focuses on the root cause of the difference

substantially varying

Focuses on the significant extent to which they diverge.

significantly divergent

Stresses the important degree of departure or separation.

quite unlike

Simply and directly points out a lack of resemblance.

poles apart

Uses a figurative expression to indicate extreme opposition or difference.

worlds away

Emphasizes a vast difference, often in terms of experience or nature.

nothing alike

Asserts a complete lack of similarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "very much different" to emphasize the degree of difference between two or more things. For instance, "The climate here is "very much different" than what I'm used to."

What are some alternatives to "very much different"?

Alternatives include "considerably dissimilar", "markedly distinct", or "substantially varying", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "very much different than" or "very much different from"?

While both are used, "very much different from" is generally considered more grammatically correct. However, in some contexts, "different than" might be acceptable, especially in American English.

How does "very much different" compare to "slightly different"?

"Very much different" implies a significant disparity, while "slightly different" suggests only a minor variation. The choice depends on the actual degree of difference you want to express.