"works differently from" vs "works differently than"

Question

"works differently from" vs "works differently than"

Both "works differently than" and "works differently from" are commonly used in English, but "works differently from" is more widely accepted and preferred. Both phrases convey the same meaning, but using "from" is considered more correct in formal writing.

Last Updated: April 06, 2024

This phrase is used to compare how something operates in a different manner than another thing. It is considered more correct and formal than using "than".

Examples:

This approach works differently from the traditional method.
The new model works differently from the old one.

Alternatives:

works differently than
functions differently from
operates differently from
behaves differently from
responds differently from

This phrase is used to compare how something operates in a different manner than another thing. It is more commonly used in spoken English and informal writing.

Examples:

This software works differently than the previous version.
His approach to problem-solving works differently than mine.

Alternatives:

works differently from
functions differently than
operates differently than
behaves differently than
responds differently than

Answer 1

works differently from

This phrase is widely accepted and preferred in formal writing.

Answer 2

works differently than

This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts, but it is less preferred in formal writing.