which is different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'which is different' is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a part of a sentence to compare two or more objects or ideas. For example, "I tried two different types of ice cream, one was chocolate and the other was vanilla, which is different."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Which is different.

The New York Times

"Which is different territory for us".

The New York Times - Sports

Which is different from having hope.

The New York Times

I evolved, which is different".

The Guardian - Music

(That might, at most, make it lawful, which is different).

The Guardian - Tech

"It's the application of it which is different and new.

The New York Times

America is different from Germany, which is different from France.

The Economist

Which is different from when you're in your car.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe competent voting is different from competent driving, which is different from competent drinking.

The New York Times

I miss certain people, or feel sad about certain people, which is different, I think".

The New Yorker

Gil normally used five-day rotations, which is different from the five-man rotation.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is different" to clearly highlight distinctions between items, concepts, or situations, ensuring the reader understands the specific point of divergence.

Common error

Avoid using "that is different" when "which is different" is more appropriate for nonrestrictive clauses that add extra, non-essential information. Remember, "which" clauses are usually set off with commas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is different" functions as a relative clause introducing additional, non-essential information about a preceding noun or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage. It serves to highlight a distinction or contrast, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which is different" serves as a versatile tool for highlighting distinctions and contrasts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media, science and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to clarify the specific difference to enhance clarity. Remember to differentiate its usage from "that is different", particularly in restrictive versus nonrestrictive clauses. For stylistic variation, consider alternatives like "that is distinct" or "that varies from". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "which is different" to add depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is distinct

Emphasizes the separate and unique nature of something compared to something else.

that is unlike

Indicates that something does not resemble something else.

that diverges from

Highlights the point at which something starts to move away from a standard or norm.

that contrasts with

Focuses on the differences when comparing two or more things.

that varies from

Suggests a degree of difference along a spectrum.

that deviates from

Highlights a departure from an expected course or standard.

as opposed to

Presents a direct opposition or contrast between two things.

in contrast to

Similar to "as opposed to", but may imply a less direct opposition.

that stands apart

Implies a noticeable distinction and independence.

that sets it apart

Focuses on the unique qualities that make something distinct.

FAQs

How can I use "which is different" in a sentence?

Use "which is different" to introduce a nonrestrictive clause that provides additional information about a noun, showing how it contrasts with something else. For example, "I tried the apple pie, "which is different" from the cherry pie, and it was delicious."

What's the difference between "which is different" and "that is different"?

"Which is different" is used in nonrestrictive clauses, providing extra information and set off by commas. "That is different" is used in restrictive clauses, which are essential to the meaning of the sentence and not set off by commas. For example, "The flavor "that is different" is my favorite" (restrictive) versus "This flavor, "which is different", is my favorite" (nonrestrictive).

What are some alternatives to using "which is different"?

Consider alternatives like "that is distinct", "that is unlike", or "that varies from" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. These alternatives, while similar, can add variety to your writing.

Is it always necessary to specify why something "which is different"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the difference after using ""which is different"" can greatly enhance clarity and prevent ambiguity. For instance, "This method, "which is different" because it uses less energy, is preferred."