"different from" vs "different than"

Question

"different from" vs "different than"

Both 'different from' and 'different than' are commonly used in English, but 'different from' is more widely accepted and preferred. 'Different than' is considered less formal and is more commonly used in American English. In general, 'different from' is the safer choice for formal writing.

Last Updated: March 11, 2024

Use 'different from' when comparing two or more things to highlight the distinctions between them.

Examples:

Her approach is different from mine.
The new model is different from the old one.

Alternatives:

distinct from
unlike
contrasting with
dissimilar to
varying from

While 'different than' is acceptable, 'different from' is generally preferred in formal writing. It is more commonly used in informal contexts or in American English.

Examples:

His approach is different than mine.
The new model is different than the old one.

Alternatives:

distinct from
unlike
contrasting with
dissimilar to
varying from

Answer 1

different from

This phrase is correct and widely accepted in English.

Answer 2

different than

This phrase is also used in English, but it is considered less formal and more common in American English.

"different from" vs "different than"

different from

different than

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