“Different from” and “Different than” are two phrases frequently used in English to express comparison, but they serve different grammatical functions and are preferred in different contexts. The choice between these phrases can affect the clarity and correctness of your sentence structure. This lesson will define each phrase and provide examples to clarify their appropriate usage.
Different from
Definition:
“Different from” is the more commonly accepted phrase used to compare two or more items or concepts directly. It is typically followed by a noun or noun phrase.
Examples of use:
Excluding cost, her car is different from mine in many ways, such as size and fuel efficiency.
His approach to management is different from that of his predecessor, focusing more on team collaboration.
The climate in this region is quite different from what you would find in the tropics.
Different than
Definition:
“Different than” is often used when the phrase that follows includes a clause or when the structure of the sentence would be awkward using “different from.” It helps maintain sentence flow and is particularly common in American English.
Examples of use:
Her job today is much different than it was five years ago, especially since she switched industries.
The results of the experiment were different than we expected, as the reaction was much slower.
His teaching style is very different than what students are used to in this department.
While “different from” is generally preferred for direct comparisons and is more commonly accepted in both British and American English, “different than” can be useful for avoiding awkward sentence constructions and is particularly useful when the comparison includes a clause. Understanding when to use each phrase allows for more precise and grammatically correct language, enhancing both written and spoken communication.
