• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home of English Grammar
  • Home
  • Course
  • Exercises
  • Grammar Rules
  • Matches
  • Posts
  • Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Very Replacer
    • Word Counter
  • Vocabulary Lists
  • Archives
    • Social Media Posts
    • Writing Guides
  • Join free

Different from, different than, and different to

July 22, 2026

Different from, different than, different to

Different from is the most widely accepted and neutral choice in English. If you want the safest option in formal or general writing, use it: Your answer is different from mine.

Different than is common, especially in American English, when a full clause follows. It can sound smoother than rewriting the sentence: The trip was different than I expected. Many editors still prefer different from what I expected, but different than is common in real usage.

Different to is chiefly used in British English and is less common in American English. For example: This one looks different to the old version. In many international contexts, different from will sound more natural to the widest audience.

  • Use different from for the safest general choice.
  • Use different than especially before a clause.
  • Use different to mainly in British English.

If you are unsure, choose different from. It is clear, standard, and works well in almost every situation.

Improve your English grammar, vocabulary and writing

We take you step by step from beginner to advanced, even if you struggled with English at school or have always had trouble remembering the rules.

  • 10 modules, 112 lessons and 730 questions
  • Just log in and learn anytime and anywhere
  • Your progress is saved in your account
  • Download the 2027 Grammar Guide (PDF)
Join free

Already have an account? Sign in

See what’s in the course

Primary Sidebar

2.4M761.4K165.8K

Free 2027 Grammar Guide

  • Download Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Online grammar course, A1 to C2
  • Weekly exercises and vocabulary
  • Join over 3 million English learners

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Already have an account? Sign in

Grammar Checker - Try Now

Latest Posts

  • The origin of “not worth a tinker’s damn” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Stark” October 23, 2026
  • Patterning Paraphrase Exercise October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Propositive” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Emphasizing” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Communicative” October 23, 2026
  • Icky vs. gross vs. nasty vs. disgusting vs. revolting vs. vile October 23, 2026
  • Comparatives Exercise October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Proposition” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Stagnation” October 23, 2026
Home of English Grammar

Free English grammar exercises, rules and vocabulary lists, with new exercises every week. Join the leading English grammar site with over 3 million followers.

Join free

Learn

  • Exercises
  • Matches
  • Grammar rules
  • Vocabulary lists
  • Writing guides
  • Online tools

More

  • Top social media posts
  • Various posts
  • Contact

Account

  • Join free
  • Grammar Course
  • Free grammar guide (PDF)

Copyright © 2026 EnglishGrammar.org

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Sitemap