what makes them different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what makes them different" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when asking a comparative question in a sentence; for example, "The two species of birds look similar, so what makes them different?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"What makes them different?

The New York Times

It's what makes them different from paintings.

The Guardian - Arts

"That's what makes them different from activists and journalists.

The New Yorker

That's what makes them different from the rest of us".

The New York Times

Teens are always at risk with anything they eat, what makes them different to us adults?

Harvard University

Brands must focus on what their customers have in common — not what makes them different.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But what makes them different is that their libido is dissociated from sexual attraction.

Independent

What makes them different from everyone else fumbling around in the dark?

Independent

"It's what's known about Merion, and it's what makes them different.

The New York Times - Sports

They must shift from concentrating on what makes groups of people similar to what makes them different.

She Ji: The Journal of Design, Economics, and Innovation

The management piece is what makes them different from other young artists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing multiple entities, use "what makes them different" to focus on the key differentiating factors, ensuring a clear understanding of each entity's unique value.

Common error

Avoid using "what makes them different" when the primary goal is to highlight shared characteristics or common ground. Instead, focus on what brings them together.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what makes them different" functions as an interrogative clause, typically used to introduce a question that seeks to identify the distinguishing characteristics or unique attributes of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what makes them different" is a grammatically correct and versatile interrogative phrase widely used across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI underscores its validity and common usage. It serves to pinpoint the unique attributes or differentiating factors between entities, with a neutral register that suits academic, journalistic, and general conversational settings. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase commonly appears in contexts related to News & Media, Academia, and Science. When seeking alternative expressions, consider options like "what distinguishes them" or "how do they differ".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what distinguishes them

This alternative focuses on the act of noticing or pointing out differences.

what are their unique qualities

This alternative emphasizes the special or distinctive attributes that set something apart.

what are their distinguishing features

This alternative highlights the specific characteristics that differentiate items.

how do they differ

This alternative offers a direct and concise way to ask about differences.

what sets them apart

This alternative conveys the idea of being superior or distinct from others.

what is their competitive advantage

This alternative emphasizes the factors that make a company or product better than its rivals.

what is their key differentiator

This alternative highlights the single most important factor that makes something different.

what are the differences between them

This alternative is a more direct and literal way of asking about variations.

how are they unique

This alternative stresses the unparalleled nature of something.

what's special about them

This alternative focuses on highlighting notable or exceptional qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "what makes them different" in a sentence?

You can use "what makes them different" to inquire about the distinguishing characteristics between two or more subjects. For example: "If hurricanes and mid-latitude cyclones often physically resemble each other so closely, what makes them different?"

What is another way to say "what makes them different"?

Alternatives to "what makes them different" include "what distinguishes them", "how do they differ", or "what sets them apart". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct, "what makes them different" or "what make them different"?

"What makes them different" is correct. "Makes" is singular because "what" refers to the single factor that causes the difference, not the multiple entities that are different.

What's the difference between "what makes them different" and "what is different about them"?

"What makes them different" implies a focus on the cause or reason for the difference. "What is different about them" simply asks for a description of the differences themselves.