were very different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were very different" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe how two or more things or people are not alike. Example: The two sisters were raised in the same household, but they were very different in personality and interests.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They were very different.

The New York Times

We were very different.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There were very different aesthetics.

Independent

Rachel & Stella were very different.

The New Yorker

The two were very different.

The New York Times

Its origins were very different.

Independent

They were very different dancers.

The New York Times

Their backgrounds were very different.

The Guardian

Their reactions were very different.

The Guardian

"They were very different times.

The Guardian

Matthei's fortunes were very different.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two or more subjects, use "were very different" to clearly emphasize their lack of similarity. This phrase is particularly useful when the subjects might initially seem similar.

Common error

While acceptable in most contexts, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "diverged significantly" or "presented marked contrasts" in formal academic or professional writing to enhance clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were very different" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of the subject. It signifies a high degree of dissimilarity between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were very different" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to highlight significant distinctions between subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to emphasize contrast, serving a neutral communicative purpose across various contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it clearly conveys dissimilarity. While highly prevalent, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider stronger synonyms for enhanced stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differed significantly

Replaces "were very different" with a more concise and formal expression of difference.

were quite dissimilar

Substitutes "very different" with "quite dissimilar", emphasizing the lack of resemblance.

presented marked contrasts

Uses a more vivid and descriptive expression to highlight the differences.

diverged considerably

Indicates that the subjects moved apart or became distinct over time or in nature.

showed notable distinctions

Replaces "were very different" with a phrase that emphasizes the presence of clear and obvious differences.

varied substantially

Emphasizes the degree to which they differed.

stood in stark contrast

Highlights the differences emphasizing opposition.

were poles apart

Emphasizes the distance between two different things.

shared little in common

Indicates that they lacked shared traits or characteristics.

offered a sharp contrast

Uses "offered" instead of "were" and "a sharp contrast" instead of "very different", highlighting an immediate and striking difference.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "were very different"?

You can use alternatives like "differed significantly", "were quite dissimilar", or "presented marked contrasts" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "were very different"?

Yes, the phrase "were very different" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express a significant difference between two or more things.

How to use "were very different" in a sentence?

You can use "were very different" to compare and contrast subjects. For example, "The two approaches to solving the problem were very different, each with its own advantages and disadvantages."

What's the difference between "were very different" and "were somewhat different"?

"Were very different" indicates a substantial degree of dissimilarity, whereas "were somewhat different" suggests only a minor or partial difference. Use "were somewhat different" when the subjects share some similarities but also have noticeable differences.