were quite dissimilar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were quite dissimilar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more things that are notably different from each other. Example: "The two paintings were quite dissimilar, showcasing distinct styles and color palettes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It can be interesting to see what careers most closely match your answers to the test: In my case, my answers were quite dissimilar to those from the career field of "geologist" but strongly similar to those from "speech pathologist," "college professor," and "executive housekeeper".

Science Magazine

The American playwright Gregory Murphy claimed that it was an infringement on his play The Countess, which deals with the same story, but in March 2013 a judge ruled that they were "quite dissimilar in their two approaches to fictionalising the same historical events".

Wikipedia

The health care systems and related outcomes of the two countries were quite dissimilar.

BMC Health Services Research

NT1 and NTz were quite dissimilar from each other and from the other NTs so that their assignment to either members of gnathostome NT family could not be determined.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The HSPA12A and HSPA12B proteins were quite dissimilar from the other Hsp70 sequences and, within the few regions of homology we found no splice site in common with sequences from other groups.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As it happens, Documenta and the Venice Biennale are quite dissimilar.

The New York Times - Arts

Alternatively, in markets where brands are quite dissimilar, sales promotions can alter market shares more permanently.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Judge Griesa yesterday concluded that the two works have "greatly differing internal structures", and are "quite dissimilar in their two approaches to fictionalising the same historical events".

The Guardian - Film

It is quite dissimilar to French facades, although the placing of the main sculpture above the portals finds an elusive parallel in Wells cathedral, in England (c. 1225 40).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both in quantity and quality, Japanese literature ranks as one of the major literatures of the world, comparable in age, richness, and volume to English literature, though its course of development has been quite dissimilar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The water views on the western side of Bayonne are quite dissimilar to the eastern ones: busy shipping docks instead of open river; the Bayonne and Vincent R. Casciano bridges instead of the George Washington and Verrazano-Narrows; the skyline of Newark, rather than New York.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were quite dissimilar" when you want to emphasize that two or more things have noticeable and significant differences, but avoid overusing it in close proximity to other similar phrases to maintain varied language.

Common error

Avoid using "were quite dissimilar" when the differences are minor or subtle. It's best suited for situations where the distinctions are clear and easily observable. For minor differences, consider using phrases like "were slightly different."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were quite dissimilar" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe the degree to which two or more entities differ from one another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

21%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were quite dissimilar" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express notable differences between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, with a higher prevalence in scientific writing. When using this phrase, consider whether the degree of difference warrants the intensity of "quite dissimilar", and be mindful of potential overuse. Alternatives such as "differed significantly" or "varied considerably" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. While versatile, the most frequent contexts are scientific and news media, indicating a preference in these areas. Always ensure subject-verb agreement (i.e., plural subjects) when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differed significantly

Emphasizes a substantial difference between items.

varied considerably

Highlights the extent of variation observed.

diverged greatly

Indicates a large degree of separation or deviation.

were markedly different

Stresses the distinctiveness of the items being compared.

showed little resemblance

Focuses on the absence of similarity between the items.

bore scant resemblance

Similar to "showed little resemblance" but slightly more formal.

were fairly distinct

Suggests a clear and easily noticeable difference.

contrasted sharply

Implies a strong and obvious contrast between the items.

were far apart

A more general way to express significant differences.

exhibited notable disparities

Highlights the presence of clear and important differences.

FAQs

How can I use "were quite dissimilar" in a sentence?

The phrase "were quite dissimilar" indicates that two or more things have noticeable differences. For example, "The two approaches to solving the problem "were quite dissimilar", reflecting different theoretical perspectives."

What phrases can I use instead of "were quite dissimilar"?

Alternatives include "differed significantly", "varied considerably", or "were markedly different". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was quite dissimilar"?

No, "was quite dissimilar" is used with singular nouns. "Were quite dissimilar" is the correct form for plural nouns. For example: "The two concepts were quite dissimilar" (plural), versus "The concept was quite dissimilar" (singular).

What's the difference between "were quite dissimilar" and "were somewhat dissimilar"?

"Were quite dissimilar" indicates a significant degree of difference, while "were somewhat dissimilar" suggests a more minor or subtle difference. The choice depends on the extent of the dissimilarity you want to emphasize.