Different From or Different Than—Which is Correct? (Grammar + Examples)

Are you confused about whether to use different than or from? You are not alone – many individuals find the use of these conjunctions confusing. To solve the confusion in your mind, we have given an in-depth difference between these two phrases along with explanations.

Is it different from or different than?

When to Use Different Than

Than is a conjunction that connects a sentence’s words, parts, or phrases. However, it can also be used as a preposition in some cases. It then may use to compare the last group of words, people, or things in a sentence. 

When to Use Different From

The phrase different from appears in English literature. It’s a preposition and indicates the relation in two words. You can use it in a versatile way as well.

The preposition ‘from’ can also indicate distance or physical differences between two things. The phrase may also denote the cause, sources, or the basis of something. 

Since the 1500s, the preposition from has been used with verbs. That’s how we frequently use different in sentences. In the comedy of Errors, William Shakespeare used different from in many sentences. 

Examples of “Different Than” in Sentences 

• My answers were different than Maria’s.
• Our situation was different than yours.
• Joseph’s kitchen counter is different than ours.
• Your book taste is different than mine.

Different than can also be used as the following: 

• John took a different route than Cherry. 
• Mia wrote different answers than Jerry in the exam.
• Joseph has a different kitchen than ours.

Examples of “Different From” in Sentences 

• Maria is different from her younger sister; she is always into books. 
• This apartment is different from the one we used to live in last year. 
• The winter this year feels different from the last. 
• Shopping at the mall feels different from than streets.
• Anna’s approach to eating at the table was different from Amma’s.
• In some ways, instant noodles are not different from homely-cooked noodles.
• My computer system is not different from Julia’s but hers has more features.

Different than or from are simple ways of presenting or comparing ideas. You can either compare things and write “this is different than that is.” Or you can distinguish them using “this is different from that is.” These are standard ways of comparing or writing sentences.

Each of these phrases are correct and acceptable. However, you might have to choose one of them in particular sentences. Some consider different from an academically correct phrase.

However, not all editors consider it wrong or problematic in sentences.

Conclusion

The significant difference between than and from is their forms. Than is a conjunction, and from is a preposition.

A conjunction is used to compare or connect two objects or words that are almost equal. Whereas prepositions are used to indicate place, location, time, or relation between other words or phrases in a sentence.

Once you understand this, you won’t be confused with different than or from. Both these phrases are correct but in a different contexts. 

If these grammatical words are still bothering you, you can use different from in simple sentences. Both these phrases are standard but different than getting more criticism even if it’s purposeful. Writers should use different from in formal writings and research papers.