which differ from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which differ from" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to compare two or more things that are different from each other. Example: The new phones have many features which differ from the old phones.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Early examples included "light" cigarettes, which differ from regular cigarettes due to filter ventilation and/or differences in chemical constituents.

Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis

Homosexuality has no clear cut cause; several factors are involved which differ from individual to individual.

The Guardian

When they hear examples from their region which differ from elsewhere, they say, 'What?

The New Yorker

However, organisations involved in this work set their own internal requirements, which differ from group to group.

The Guardian

There are also a range of penalty charges which differ from bank to bank.

Independent

At the other extreme are the local dialects, which differ from village to village.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But that doesn't require us to celebrate their values which differ from ours.

The New York Times

Eating disorders develop through complex combinations of factors and pressures which differ from person to person.

Independent

Sustainable development offers policymakers an obvious tool with which to confront the region's huge environmental challenges – which differ from those of other countries only in terms of scale.

The Guardian

The cable locks, which differ from trigger locks, are pulled through gun handles or barrels to prevent the weapon from being fired or loaded.

The New York Times

Most states have adopted specific laws since then, which differ from place to place, though a few still use common law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which differ from", ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined and that the differences are relevant to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using 'that' in place of 'which' when introducing non-restrictive clauses. 'Which' is used when the information is additional and not essential to the sentence's meaning. For example: 'The new policies, which differ from the old ones, will take effect next month' is correct, while 'The new policies that differ from the old ones will take effect next month' implies that only some new policies will take effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which differ from" functions as a relative clause introducing information that distinguishes one thing from another. It provides additional context by highlighting the differences between the subjects being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which differ from" is a versatile relative clause used to highlight distinctions between entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in science and news media. Remember to use 'which' for non-restrictive clauses and 'that' for restrictive ones. Alternatives like "that vary from" or "that diverge from" can add nuance, but ensure clarity when comparing items. Pay attention to register, as its use often leans towards neutral to formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that vary from

Indicates differences in degree or form.

that deviate from

Emphasizes a departure from a standard or expected path.

that diverge from

Highlights a branching off or moving in a different direction.

that are differentiated from

Focuses on the process of distinguishing differences.

that contrast with

Directly points out differences when compared side by side.

that are distinct from

Stresses the separateness and uniqueness.

that are unlike

A simpler and more direct way to express dissimilarity.

that are dissimilar to

More formal way of saying "unlike".

that stand apart from

Suggests a noticeable difference or uniqueness.

that bear no resemblance to

Emphasizes a complete lack of similarity.

FAQs

How do I use "which differ from" in a sentence?

Use "which differ from" to introduce a non-restrictive clause that explains how something is different from something else. For example: "The updated software, which differ from the previous version, includes several new features."

What's the difference between "which differ from" and "that differ from"?

"Which differ from" introduces a non-restrictive clause (additional information), while "that differ from" introduces a restrictive clause (essential information). Example: "The cars which differ from the standard model have enhanced safety features" vs. "The cars that differ from the standard model are more expensive."

Are there alternatives to "which differ from"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "that vary from", "that diverge from", or "that contrast with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "which differs from"?

Yes, "which differs from" is grammatically correct when referring to a singular noun. For example, "This method, which differs from the traditional approach, yields better results."