works differently than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "works differently than" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to compare two things and explain how they function in different ways. For example: - "The new software works differently than the old one, with a more user-friendly interface." - "My approach to problem solving works differently than my colleague's, but we both get effective results." - "The human brain works differently than a computer, processing information in a much more complex manner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

He went on: Technology works differently than the law.

The New Yorker

His mind just works differently than most human beings'.

The New York Times

Netgear's Orbi works differently than traditional mesh systems.

The New York Times - Tech

The implication is that racial bias in these situations works differently than we had thought.

The New Yorker

He's about to turn 14 and has autism – two factors that increase, exponentially, the ways in which his brain works differently than mine.

The New York Times

The medicine, to be taken once a day, works differently than other widely used treatments and may be combined with other therapies, according to studies.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

This group also thinks of work differently than members of the other generations, yet these differences can be understood through a managerial lens focusing on qualities such as duty, drive, and reward.

Harvard Business Review

On the other hand, it's possible that extraterrestrial civilizations have receivers that work differently than ours do (so that their definition of "narrowband" would be different from ours), and it's certainly possible that they might produce signals not intended for communication that we would be able to detect.

Cornell University

They also work differently than most headphones: they can figure out how sensitive he is to different frequencies and, working with a smartphone app, alter the music he's listening to so that it sounds better.

MIT Technology Review

Reverse mortgages work differently than traditional mortgage loans.

The New York Times

Scientists said the new study suggested that the evolutionary rebuilding after an extinction might work differently than had been envisioned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "works differently than", ensure you clearly specify the two items being compared to avoid ambiguity. For example, "This engine works differently than the previous model, using a new fuel injection system."

Common error

Avoid using "works differently than" without specifying what the subject is being compared to. Saying "This product works differently" leaves the comparison unclear and reduces the sentence's effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "works differently than" functions as a comparative conjunction, linking two distinct processes, methods or functionalities. As Ludwig AI examples show, it specifies that the subject's operation contrasts with another, explicitly named or implied.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "works differently than" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative conjunction. As Ludwig AI shows, it serves to clearly delineate the functional disparities between two subjects across a diverse range of contexts including news, science, and academia. While alternatives exist, "works differently than" is effective in conveying distinct operational differences. It is crucial to maintain clarity by explicitly stating the elements being compared to avoid ambiguity. High-quality sources endorse its consistent and meaningful application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operates in another way compared to

Replaces "works" with "operates", adding "compared to" for emphasis on the comparison.

functions unlike

Uses "functions" as a synonym for "works" and replaces "differently than" with "unlike" for a more concise comparison.

has a different mechanism than

Focuses on the "mechanism" of how something works, suitable for technical contexts.

is distinct from in its operation

Highlights the "distinct" nature of the operation, adding a formal tone.

is not the same as in how it operates

Emphasizes the dissimilarity in operation, using a more descriptive approach.

follows a different process compared with

Focuses on the "process" involved, suitable when detailing specific steps.

its functionality is different to

Uses "functionality" explicitly and employs "different to", common in British English.

its mode of operation differs from

Uses the formal term "mode of operation" and replaces "than" with "from".

takes a different approach than

Highlights a difference in the "approach" taken, useful when describing strategies or methods.

presents a dissimilar behavior compared to

Focuses on the "behavior" and uses "dissimilar" for emphasis, suitable for scientific contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "works differently than" in a sentence?

Use "works differently than" to compare how two things function, emphasizing their distinct operations. For example, "This software "works differently than" its predecessor, offering improved user interface and enhanced features".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "works differently than"?

Alternatives include phrases like "operates uniquely from", "functions unlike", or "has a different mechanism than", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more correct to say "works differently than" or "works different from"?

While both constructions are used, "works differently than" is generally preferred because "differently" is an adverb modifying the verb "works". "Different from" is also acceptable but less common in this specific context.

What is the difference between saying something "works differently than" something else versus "is different from" something else?

Saying something ""works differently than"" focuses specifically on the difference in how it functions or operates. Saying something "is different from" is a broader statement indicating any kind of dissimilarity, not necessarily related to functionality.