Tuesday 12 October 2010

Different From vs. Different Than

The expressions different from and different than have been used almost interchangeably for at least 300 years.

Different from is preferred to introduce a phrase; however, different than may also be used.

Example: New Orleans natives’ speech is different from that of New York natives’ speech. Example: New Orleans natives’ speech is different than that of New York natives’ speech.

Different than is preferred to introduce a clause; however, different from may be used if more words are added.

Example: The boulevard led to a different street than the map showed.
Example: The boulevard led to a different street from the one the map showed.

Differently is used as an adverb. Use differently than with a clause following. You may use differently from if you add extra wording.

Example: He walked differently than he had hoped after getting the leg cast off.
Example: He walked differently from what he had hoped after getting the leg cast off.

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