Different From vs. Different To – Which is Correct?
“Different from” is the universally accepted and grammatically preferred construction in American English. While “different to” is common in British English, it is often considered less formal or even incorrect in American usage. For clarity and adherence to standard grammar, always opt for “different from.”
Different From or Different To – Which is Correct?
When comparing two distinct items, the choice between “different from” and “different to” often causes confusion. In American English, the overwhelmingly preferred and grammatically standard construction is “different from.” This usage emphasizes separation and distinction, aligning with how prepositions like “from” typically function to indicate origin or deviation. “Different to,” while widely used in British English, is generally considered less formal or even incorrect in American contexts.
While ‘different to’ is often debated, another common grammatical query involves distinguishing between ‘different from’ and different than.
| Word/Phrase | Grammatical Role | Meaning/Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Different From | Adjective + Prepositional Phrase | Indicates distinction or unlikeness. Standard in American English. | Her new car is different from her old one. |
| Different To | Adjective + Prepositional Phrase | Indicates distinction or unlikeness. Common in British English; generally avoided in American English. | This flavour is quite different to what I expected. (British English) |
How to Use Different From
“Different from” is the grammatically correct and most widely accepted way to express a distinction or dissimilarity between two or more things in American English. The adjective “different” describes a noun, and the preposition “from” introduces the object of comparison. This construction is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it suitable for academic writing, professional communication, and everyday conversation. It clearly conveys that one item is not the same as another.
Example 1: The climate in California is very different from the climate in New York.
Example 2: My opinion on the matter is entirely different from hers.
Example 3: Learning a new language can feel quite different from studying history.
What are the different forms of Different From?
The core of this phrase is the adjective “different,” which does not change its form based on gender, number, or tense. The preposition “from” also remains constant. The word “different” can be modified by adverbs (e.g., “very different from,” “slightly different from”) to emphasize the degree of distinction. The phrase itself functions as a complete comparative unit.
Etymology of the word Different From
The word “different” comes from the Old French “different” and directly from the Latin “differens,” the present participle of “differre,” meaning “to carry apart, defer, or differ.” The Latin root “dis-” means “apart” and “ferre” means “to carry.” The preposition “from” has Old English origins (“fram”) and has consistently indicated separation or source. The combination “different from” naturally evolved to denote distinction by separating one item from another.
Related Concepts
Understanding the role of prepositions is key to grasping why “different from” is preferred in American English. Prepositions are words that connect a noun or pronoun to other words in a sentence, indicating relationships of time, place, direction, or, in this case, comparison and separation. The preposition “from” inherently implies a point of origin or a point of departure, making it logically suited to express that something deviates or is distinct from another. Other prepositions that indicate separation or distinction, such as “of” or “than,” can sometimes be used in similar comparative contexts (e.g., “independent of,” “other than”), but “from” is the standard for “different.” The common British usage of “different to” arises from a different grammatical tradition, where “to” can sometimes indicate a relationship or an object of comparison.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “The past is a foreign country; they do things different from here.” – L.P. Hartley, The Go-Between
- “Our lives are different from what they were, but the love remains.” – A common sentiment expressed in various contemporary novels and memoirs.
- “The movie adaptation was surprisingly different from the book, yet equally captivating.” – Review in The New York Times.
- “His approach to problem-solving was markedly different from that of his predecessors.” – Article in Harvard Business Review.
- “These new regulations are completely different from the old ones and will require significant adjustments.” – News report on legislative changes.
Different Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Distinct | Clearly different or separate; not identical. |
| Dissimilar | Not alike; different in character or quality. |
| Unalike | Not similar; different. |
| Variant | A form or version of something that differs in some respect from other forms of the same thing. |
| Contrasting | Exhibiting a striking difference. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “different than” ever correct?
“Different than” is occasionally used, particularly in American English, and some grammarians accept it when followed by a clause (e.g., “It’s different than I expected”). However, “different from” is almost always a safer and more widely accepted choice, especially in formal writing, as “than” is typically used with comparative adjectives like “larger” or “smaller.”
Question 2: Why is “different to” used in British English?
The usage of “different to” in British English is largely idiomatic. While “from” emphasizes separation, “to” can imply a relationship or direction towards the comparison, similar to how one might say “similar to.” It’s a matter of conventional usage that has developed differently across dialects.
Question 3: Can “different” be used without a preposition?
Yes, “different” can be used as a standalone adjective (e.g., “They offer many different options”) or followed by a noun without an explicit preposition when the comparison is implied or unnecessary (e.g., “He wants something different”). The preposition is only needed when explicitly stating what something is different from.
Conclusion
In the debate of “different to vs different from,” the clear winner for standard American English is “different from.” This construction ensures clarity, adheres to traditional grammatical rules regarding prepositions of separation, and is universally understood as indicating distinction. While “different to” has its place in British English, adopting “different from” in American contexts will enhance the precision and professionalism of your writing and speech.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, always default to “different from” to maintain grammatical correctness and avoid potential misinterpretations, especially in academic or professional settings. Your precise use of language reflects positively on your attention to detail.
