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"It was different than I thought." vs "It was different from what I thought."

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'It was different than I thought' is commonly used in informal speech, while 'It was different from what I thought' is more formal and precise. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

It was different than I thought.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal speech.

This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to express a comparison between the actual situation and one's previous expectations.

Examples:

  • The movie was different than I thought it would be.
  • The test was different than I expected.
  • The outcome was different than I had imagined.

Alternatives:

  • it was different from what I thought.
  • it was not what I thought.
  • it was not as I had thought.
  • it was different from my expectations.
  • it was different from what I had in mind.

It was different from what I thought.

This phrase is correct and more formal than the first option.

This phrase is more formal and precise, often used in written or formal contexts to express a comparison between the actual situation and one's previous expectations.

Examples:

  • The reality was different from what I thought.
  • The result was different from what I had anticipated.
  • The outcome was different from what I had in mind.

Alternatives:

  • it was different than I thought.
  • it was not what I thought.
  • it was not as I had thought.
  • it was different from my expectations.
  • it was different from what I had in mind.

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