Different from, different to or different than

Different is usually followed by from.

• This is quite different from that.
• She is very different from her sister.

Many British speakers also use to after different.

• His ideas are different from those of his friends.
• OR His ideas are different to those of his friends.
• She is very different from her sister.
• OR She is very different to her sister.

In American English, than is common after different. From is also used.

• American football is very different from soccer. OR American football is very different than soccer.

In British English, different than is possible before a clause.

• The situation is different from what I expected.
• OR The situation is different to what I expected.
• OR The situation is different than I expected.

Subscribe and win a free eBook

Subscribe to our feed by email and win an eBook titled '120 Grammar and Vocabulary Mistakes to Avoid'.

The download link will be sent by email.