Quick Answer
Different From is the standard, grammatically correct form accepted in all varieties of English. It is the safest choice for professional and academic writing.
Different Than is widely accepted in American English, especially when followed by a clause (a full sentence structure), but some style guides still consider it incorrect. Different To is common only in British English.
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Table of Contents
Choosing between different from and different than is one of the most common dilemmas in English grammar. While one is universally loved by editors, the other is frequently used in conversation but flagged in formal writing. The confusion often stems from regional habits—specifically the gap between American and British English usages.
If you are writing an essay, a business email, or a book, knowing exactly which preposition to use can save you from looking unprofessional. Here is the breakdown of the rules, logic, and exceptions.
Different From: The Safe Choice
If you want to be 100% safe in any context, use different from. It is the standard form accepted by virtually every style guide, including the Associated Press and the Chicago Manual of Style. This phrasing works because “different” implies a distinction away from something else.
Rule of Thumb: When comparing two nouns or pronouns directly, different from is always correct.
You should use this structure when the word following “different” is a noun or a pronoun.
- Correct My opinion is different from yours.
- Correct This apple tastes different from the one I had yesterday.
- Correct His management style is different from traditional methods.
The logic here is semantic. Something differs from another thing, just as you would say “separate from” rather than “separate than.” Source-1✅
Different Than: The Efficiency Hack
Many grammarians used to argue that “different than” was strictly incorrect. However, language evolves. In modern American English, different than is widely accepted, particularly when it makes a sentence smoother or shorter.
This usage shines when “different” is followed by a clause (a group of words containing a verb). Using “from” in these cases often requires adding extra words like “that which” or “what,” making the sentence clunky.
- Wordy (Strict Grammar)
- The outcome was different from what I expected.
- Concise (Accepted Usage)
- The outcome was different than I expected.
In the example above, using “than” allows you to drop the relative pronoun “what.” This efficiency is why many writers prefer it in casual contexts. However, strict editors may still mark it as an error.
Examples of Common Usage:
- Avoid Formal College is different than I thought it would be.
- Avoid Formal He acts differently than he used to.
What About “Different To”?
If you are reading a book published in London, you might see different to. This is a uniquely British idiom. While it sounds perfectly natural in the UK, it often sounds incorrect or jarring to American ears.
If you are writing for an international or American audience, it is best to avoid “different to” to prevent confusion.
- UK English: “Paul’s bike is different to mine.” (Accepted in UK)
- US English: “Paul’s bike is different from mine.” (Preferred)
Why “From” is Grammatically Superior
The argument for different from is rooted in the word’s history and function. The word “different” comes from the verb to differ. When things differ, they move away from each other.
Consider the prepositions used with related words:
- We separate A from B.
- We distinguish A from B.
- We diverge from the path.
The word “than” is a conjunction typically reserved for comparatives (words ending in -er or used with “more/less”).
- Better than…
- Faster than…
- More interesting than…
Since “different” is not a comparative adjective (it does not express a degree like “bigger”), purists argue it should not be paired with “than.” Source-2✅
Quick Comparison Table
| Phrase | Primary Region | Formality Level | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Different From | Global (US & UK) | High (Safe) | Academic papers, business reports, all formal writing. |
| Different Than | USA | Medium/Low | Casual speech or before a clause (e.g., “than I thought”). |
| Different To | UK / Australia | Medium | Conversation and writing within the UK. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Is “different than” grammatically incorrect?
Strictly speaking, many traditional grammarians consider it incorrect because “different” is not a comparative adjective. However, it has been in use for centuries and is widely accepted in modern American English to avoid wordiness, especially before a clause.
Can I use “different to” in American English?
You should generally avoid it. While “different to” is standard in British English, it sounds unnatural to most American readers and might be marked as an error.
Which version should I use for academic writing?
Always use different from in academic writing. It is the most neutral and universally accepted form, ensuring your text meets the standards of all major style guides.
Why does “different than” exist if it is controversial?
It exists for conciseness. Saying “It was different than I expected” is shorter and punchier than saying “It was different from what I expected.” Speakers naturally gravitate toward efficiency.