different than (from)

Writers often wonder whether to use "different from" or "different than." For formal writing, choose "different from." "Different than" appears in speech and in a few clause-heavy constructions in American English, but most professional and academic style guides prefer "different from." Below are clear rules, paired fixes, and quick rewrite patterns you can use immediately.

Quick answer

Prefer "different from" in formal writing. "Different than" is common in speech and some informal American usage, and it sometimes appears before short clauses, but it's safer to rewrite the sentence or use "different from" + what/which.

Formal writing: use "different from."
Casual speech: "different than" is frequently heard.
Before clauses: prefer "different from what/which..." or use "differs from."

Core explanation

"From" marks the point of comparison: A is different from B. "Than" is primarily a comparator used with comparative adjectives (bigger than, smarter than). Using "different than" blurs those roles and can leave the sentence awkward or ambiguous in formal prose.

When a clause follows, speakers sometimes say "different than" because it feels shorter: "different than I expected." In writing, clearer options are "different from what I expected" or "it differs from what I expected."

Is "different than" correct?

No, not always. "Different than" is acceptable in informal contexts and in conversational American English, especially before short clauses. For formal documents, exams, or published work, choose "different from" or rewrite the clause.

Acceptable informally: "That's different than I thought."
Prefer formal: "That's different from what I thought."
When in doubt, rewrite to avoid ambiguity.

Hyphenation and spacing notes

The phrase itself has no hyphen: write "different from," not "different-from" or "differentfrom." Watch for adjacent words that might require hyphenation (for example, "a different-looking outfit"). Treat "different" as an adjective that connects to the rest of the phrase in the usual way.

How it sounds in real writing

Seeing natural examples helps you recognize which form belongs on the page. Here are real-world contexts with clear phrasing.

Work:
Wrong: The plan is different than the original. -
Right: The plan is different from the original.
School:
Wrong: The theory is different than the model suggests. -
Right: The theory differs from what the model suggests.
Casual:
Wrong: That's different than I expected. -
Right: That's different from what I expected.

Wrong vs right examples you can copy

Copy these paired sentences to make the correction visible and train your eye while editing.

Work - Wrong: The migration looks different than it did last quarter.
Right: The migration looks different from last quarter.
Work - Wrong: Our timeline is different than the one the client approved.
Right: Our timeline is different from the one the client approved.
School - Wrong: The results were different than we expected.
Right: The results were different from what we expected.
School - Wrong: Her conclusion is different than the chapter argues.
Right: Her conclusion differs from the chapter's argument.
Casual - Wrong: He's different than most people I know.
Right: He's different from most people I know.
Casual - Wrong: That's different than I thought it would be.
Right: That's different from what I thought it would be.

How to fix your own sentence

Fixing the phrasing often takes one of three moves: swap the preposition, add a clarifying what/which clause, or use "differs" + from. Read the whole sentence after the change to check tone and flow.

Identify the comparison you intend.
Replace "different than" with "different from," or
Rewrite: "different from what/which..." or "differs from + noun."

Template 1: different from + noun - "The plan is different from the draft."
Template 2: different from what/which + clause - "The plan is different from what we approved."
Template 3: differs from + noun - "The proposal differs from the original."

A simple memory trick

Link the correct form to meaning: picture "from" as pointing to the thing you're comparing to. If you can imagine "from that" following the phrase, it's usually right. Avoid memorizing the wrong form; instead, spot the pattern in real writing.

Ask: "Different from what?" If that question fits, use "from."
For short spoken replies, notice that "different than" is common-then convert it for formal text.
Search your drafts for "different than" and fix instances in bulk.

Similar mistakes to watch for

Spacing and form errors often cluster. When you fix one, scan for related problems nearby.

Other split or joined words (e.g., "alot" → "a lot").
Hyphen confusion (e.g., "long term" vs "long-term").
Incorrect verb choices (e.g., use "differs from" instead of "is different than").
Mixing regional variants without consistency ("different to" vs "different from").

FAQ

Is "different than" always wrong?

No. It's common in speech and informal American writing, especially before short clauses. For formal prose, prefer "different from" or a rewrite.

Can I say "different than I expected" in an email?

In a casual internal email it's fine. For client-facing or formal emails, change it to "different from what I expected" or rephrase for clarity.

Which is correct: "different to" or "different from"?

"Different to" is common in British English; "different from" is standard in American formal English. Match the variant to your audience or style guide.

Quickest way to fix a sentence with "different than"?

Swap "different than" → "different from." If the following clause still sounds off, change it to "different from what/which..." or use "differs from + noun."

Do style guides ever accept "different than"?

Some usage notes accept it in casual contexts, and many native speakers use it regularly. Still, most major style guides recommend "different from" for formal writing.

Need help fixing a sentence?

Paste a sentence that uses "different than" and try these three quick templates: "different from + noun," "different from + what/which + clause," or "differs from + noun." If you prefer, run the sentence through a grammar checker to get suggested rewrites and pick the clearest option.