Different From vs. Different To vs. Different Than
Different From vs. Different To vs. Different Than summarizes Oxford’s documented usage note: different from is the most common in both major varieties, different to is also used especially in British English, and different than is especially North American and can be convenient before a clause.
Different from is the most common structure in both British and North American English; different to is also used especially in British English, while different than is especially associated with North American English and is useful before clauses.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| a broadly standard comparison in British or North American English | different from | This is the most common broadly portable structure. |
| British English permits the regional alternative | different to | Use it where British usage or house style supports it. |
| North American English, especially before a clause | different than | This form is documented, with particular usefulness before clauses. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Do you want the most broadly portable choice without another structural reason?
If yes: Use “different from.”
If no: “Different to” and “different than” are also documented; choose by region, sentence structure, and house style.
Caveat: All three forms are documented. Do not label the regional alternatives universally wrong; a house style may still choose one form for consistency.
Examples
This version is different from the earlier draft.
“Different from” is broadly portable.
The result was different to what we expected.
“Different to” is documented especially in British English.
The process is different than it was last year.
“Different than” is especially associated with North American English and can work before a clause.
Further guidance
Core difference
Oxford documents all three forms and explicitly notes their regional and structural tendencies rather than declaring two of them universally wrong.
Style Boundary
Match the form to audience and sentence structure; house style may be narrower than general dictionary usage.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- different — Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Oxford University Press · Direct dictionary evidence for different from, different to and different than, including regional usage guidance