Quick answer: In British English, different from is the traditional and most widely accepted form in formal writing: This book is different from that one. Different to is also common in informal British English and is not wrong. Different than is mainly American English. For fuller definitions, see the Cambridge Dictionary.
Comparison Table
| Form | Register | Variety | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| different from | formal & informal | British & American | Her approach is different from mine. |
| different to | informal | British English | Her approach is different to mine. |
| different than | informal | American English | Her approach is different than mine. |
Different From
Different from is the most widely accepted form in both British and American English, particularly in formal writing. Most style guides recommend it. The logic is that “differ from” uses from, so different from is consistent.
This climate is very different from what we are used to.
The results were different from our expectations.
Her accent is completely different from mine.
British spelling is different from American spelling.
Different To
Different to is widely used in informal British English and is not considered incorrect. It is common in everyday speech and informal writing in the UK, though some style guides and editors prefer different from in published work.
This summer is different to last year’s.
His attitude was different to what I expected.
Different Than
Different than is standard in American English and can also be useful in British English when followed by a clause, since “different from” can become grammatically awkward before a clause.
The outcome was different than we had hoped. (clause follows)
The outcome was different from what we had hoped. (noun phrase)
Common Mistakes
✗ My opinion is different of yours.
✓ My opinion is different from yours.
Note: “different of” is not a standard English construction.
✗ These two systems differ to each other.
✓ These two systems differ from each other.
Note: the verb “differ” always takes “from”, not “to”.
✗ This is different than the original. (informal in British English)
✓ This is different from the original.
Also useful: Despite vs Although. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: From, To, or Than?
Four questions — choose the correct preposition in each sentence.
1. “This version is quite different ___ the original.” (formal British English)
2. “The two systems differ ___ each other significantly.”
3. “The situation turned out different ___ we expected.” (before a clause)
4. “British English is different ___ American English.” (standard formal)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “different from” or “different to” correct?
Both are used in British English. “Different from” is the traditional, formally preferred form. “Different to” is common in informal British speech and is not incorrect.
Is “different than” correct in British English?
“Different than” is standard in American English. In British English it is less common but is sometimes used before a clause: “It was different than I expected.”
Which form should I use in formal writing?
Use “different from” in formal British English writing. Most British style guides, including the Oxford Style Manual, recommend it.
Why do some people say “different to”?
By analogy with “similar to” and “identical to”. It has been in use in British English for several centuries and is widely accepted in informal contexts.
Does “differ” take “from” or “to”?
The verb “differ” always takes “from”: “This plan differs from the original.” This is one reason style guides prefer “different from” for consistency.
What is wrong with “different of”?
“Different of” is not a standard English construction. It is a direct translation error from languages such as Spanish (“diferente de”) or Italian (“diverso da”). Always use “from” or “to”.
Can I say “completely different from”?
Yes. Adverbs such as “completely”, “very”, or “totally” are used before “different” to intensify it: “This is completely different from what I ordered.”
Which form is used in IELTS and Cambridge exams?
Both “different from” and “different to” are accepted in IELTS and Cambridge exams. Examiners recognise both as standard British English. Use “different from” if you want to be safe.
How do I use “different from” before a clause?
Add “what”: “It was different from what I expected.” This makes the clause a noun phrase. Alternatively, use “different than” directly before the clause.
Is “no different from” correct?
Yes. “This problem is no different from the last one.” You can also say “no different to” in informal British English.