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Which is correct: “different from,” “different than,” or “different to” in formal writing?

Asked byDevon StylePosted Mar 29, 2026 1:17 PM3 answers20 upvotesCanonical URL

I'm proofreading an essay for a friend, and I've noticed he uses 'different from,' 'different than,' and 'different to' in various sentences. Now I'm not sure which one is actually correct! For example, he wrote:

  • "Her ideas are different from mine."
  • "Her approach is different than mine."
  • "Her style is different to mine."

I'm confused about when to use each phrase, or if some are considered wrong in formal writing or certain regions. Could someone clarify the differences for me?

Context:
I want to help my friend improve his academic writing (US English).

#word-choice#prepositions-place

What to Know

What to KnowWhy It MattersExampleQuick Check
In formal US English, it's best to use reusable patterns for standard prepositions with 'different.' The established pattern is 'different from' , especially in academic writing.For each use of 'different,' make sure 'different from' is used unless a full clause follows (which is rare).Her beliefs are different from those of her peers.Double-check: Is what follows 'different' a noun/noun phrase?
Writers often treat different from, and different than, as interchangeable even when context and meaning differ.This helps you choose wording by meaning instead of surface form.I used "different than," because the context required that meaning.Did I choose this form for meaning, not because it looked familiar?

3 Answers

ByCoach LeeMar 29, 2026 1:37 PM9 upvotesAccepted answer

In formal US English, it's best to use reusable patterns for standard prepositions with 'different.' The established pattern is 'different from', especially in academic writing.

  • "This theory is different from the previous one."
  • "Her beliefs are different from those of her peers."

In the US, 'different than' is sometimes used when what follows is a full clause: "The outcome was different than we expected." But this is less formal and best avoided in essays. 'Different to' is common in British English, not US English, and should be replaced in American academic writing.

Practice:
Review your friend's essay. For each use of 'different,' make sure 'different from' is used unless a full clause follows (which is rare). Try rewriting: "The results were different than I predicted." → "The results were different from what I predicted."

Self-check:
Double-check: Is what follows 'different' a noun/noun phrase? Use 'from.' If it's a clause with a verb, consider rephrasing for clarity.

ByJin ParkMar 29, 2026 2:17 PM6 upvotes

Let's correct the confusion step by step:

  1. 'Different from' is the standard, correct choice in formal US English. Use it every time unless you have a full clause following 'than.'

    • "This solution is different from the previous solution."

  2. 'Different than' is mostly informal and should generally be avoided in academic writing. Only use it when what follows forms a full clause:

    • Acceptable (formal alternative preferred): "This is different than I thought it would be."
    • Preferred revision: "This is different from what I thought it would be."

  3. 'Different to' is almost never used in American English. If you find it, change it to 'different from.'

Practice:
Give yourself a mini-quiz: Write three sentences using 'different from' and try to convert any 'than' or 'to' phrases to the standard 'from.'

Corrective tip: If in doubt, ask: "Can I replace 'different ___' with 'similar ___'?" (e.g., 'similar from,' 'similar to'). Only 'similar to / different from' are standard in US formal writing.

ByNora GrammarMar 29, 2026 1:57 PM5 upvotes

Choosing the right preposition with 'different' can depend on regional standards. In US English (especially in formal or academic contexts), 'different from' is preferred. In British English, both 'different from' and 'different to' are widely used, but 'different to' is rare in the US.

Compare:

  • US/Academic: "Their methods are different from ours."
  • UK/Informal: "Their methods are different to ours."
  • Informal/Conversational US: "This tastes different than what I remember." (better replaced with 'different from')

Practice:
Ask your friend to scan their essay for 'different than' or 'different to' and rewrite those sentences with 'different from.' For example, "My results are different than the textbook" → "My results are different from the textbook."

Feedback:
If you spot 'different to' in US English academic writing, replace it. Reserve 'different than' for clauses only if absolutely necessary, but 'different from' is almost always best in essays.

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