In English, we often use the word different to talk about contrast or distinction. But should we say different from or different than? The answer depends on grammar and style — but in most cases, different from is the best choice.
Different from is the standard and most widely accepted form in both British and American English. It’s grammatically parallel to phrases like separate from or independent from.
Different than is sometimes used in American English, especially when it’s followed by a full clause (a subject and a verb). In this case, than acts as a conjunction, not a preposition.
But this structure is less common and more controversial in formal writing. When in doubt, stick with different from.
Join 100,000 people who are improving their English skills on the Shaky English app
