Talking about Differences in English: Useful Expressions and Examples

Being able to compare people, places, ideas and situations is an essential communication skill. When talking about differences in English, you can use comparative forms, degree modifiers, linking expressions, useful verbs and colourful idioms. We use comparison language in everyday conversations, academic writing, workplace discussions and Cambridge exam tasks. Talking about differences in English successfully means choosing structures that match both the degree of contrast and the formality of the situation.

In this lesson, you will learn how to describe small, significant and complete differences naturally and accurately. The examples will help you improve your everyday English and prepare for Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced speaking and writing tasks.

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Using Comparative Adjectives to Show Differences

When talking about differences in English, comparative adjectives are often the simplest and most natural place to begin.

Short adjectives

With most short adjectives, we add -er.

• small → smaller
• old → older
• fast → faster
• quiet → quieter

Examples:

• This flat is smaller than the one we viewed yesterday.
• My new neighbourhood is much quieter than the city centre.

Longer adjectives

With longer adjectives, we normally use more.

• more expensive
• more reliable
• more convenient
• more environmentally friendly

Examples:

• The new system is more reliable than the old one.
• This solution is more environmentally friendly than the previous one.

Irregular comparative forms

Some common adjectives have irregular forms.

• good → better
• bad → worse
• far → farther/further
• little → less
• many/much → more

Examples:

• The team played better than it did last week.
• Traffic was worse than usual this morning.
• This hotel is further from the beach than it appears on the map.
• The second option requires less time and money.

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Using comparative adverbs

We can also compare the way people do things.

• quickly → more quickly
• carefully → more carefully
• well → better
• badly → worse
• hard → harder

Examples:

• Elena speaks more confidently than she did last year.
• You need to examine the figures more carefully.
• The children worked harder during the second part of the lesson.
• The new employee handled the complaint better than expected.

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Making a difference stronger or weaker

An important part of talking about differences in English is showing whether a difference is small, considerable or complete.

Strong differences

Use these expressions before a comparative:

• much
• far
• a lot
• considerably
• significantly
• substantially
• dramatically

Examples:

• The new office is much larger than the old one.
• This route is far safer at night.
• Housing has become considerably more expensive.
• The second proposal is significantly better.
• Sales were substantially higher this month.
• The situation is dramatically different from what it was ten years ago.

In informal conversation, we can also use way:

• This phone is way cheaper online.
• You sound way more confident now.

Way is natural in conversation, but avoid it in formal essays and reports.

Small differences

Use these expressions when the difference is not very large:

• a little
• a bit
• slightly
• somewhat
• marginally

Examples:

• Today is a little warmer than yesterday.
• The second exercise was slightly more difficult.
• This version is somewhat easier to understand.
• Profits were marginally lower than expected.

A bit is common in conversation, while slightly and marginally are more suitable for formal writing.

Showing that the Difference is Surprising or Continuing

We can use even and still before a comparative.

Even

Use even when the difference is surprising or greater than expected.

• The exam was even harder than the practice test.

Still

Use still when one thing remains greater, better or more noticeable despite another fact.

• The bus is cheaper, but cycling is still more environmentally friendly.

Comparing things with as … as

Use as + adjective/adverb + as when two things are equal or similar.

• My new laptop is as fast as my desktop computer.

Use not as … as or not so … as to show a difference.

• The second speaker did not explain the issue as clearly as the first.

We can strengthen the difference with nearly, quite or nowhere near.

• The journey was nowhere near as tiring as we had expected.

Nowhere near as expresses a very large difference.

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Expressing Numerical Differences

When the difference can be measured, we can use numbers and quantities.

• The new building is ten metres taller than the old one.
• This model costs £200 more than the basic version.
• The population is three times larger than it was fifty years ago.
• My journey now takes half as long as it used to.
• The second room is twice as wide as the first.

Be careful with times:

• The new hall is twice as large as the old one.
• The company now employs three times as many people as it did in 2010.

Using different

The adjective different and the verbs differ and vary are particularly useful when talking about differences in English.

The most common structure is:

be different from + noun or pronoun

• Life in the countryside is different from life in a large city.
• Your answer is slightly different from mine.

In British English, different from is the safest and most widely accepted form, especially in formal writing and Cambridge exams.

You may also hear different to in British conversation and different than in American English.

• British conversational English: This is different to what I ordered.
• American English: This is different than what I ordered.
• Recommended formal form: This is different from what I ordered.

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Useful Verbs for Talking about Differences

Differ

Differ means to be different.

Common structures include:

• differ from
• differ in
• differ considerably
• differ slightly

Examples:

• The two plans differ considerably.
• This version differs from the original in several important ways.
• The twins look similar, but they differ in personality.
• Opinions differ on how the problem should be solved.

Vary

Vary means to be different in different situations or among different people.

• Prices vary considerably from one region to another.
• The quality of the service varies depending on the location.
• Individual results may vary.
• Working hours vary from company to company.

A useful expression is:

vary widely

• The cost of living varies widely across the country.

Contrast

As a verb, contrast means to compare two things in order to show their differences.

• The report contrasts life in urban and rural areas.

We can also use contrast with:

• The modern extension contrasts sharply with the old building.

Distinguish

Distinguish between means to recognise or explain the difference between two things.

• Young learners sometimes find it difficult to distinguish between these two sounds.

Useful Nouns for Discussing Differences

Difference

• There is a considerable difference between the two products.
• We noticed several important differences.

Common collocations include:

• a major difference
• a slight difference
• a noticeable difference
• a significant difference
• a fundamental difference
• a subtle difference

Contrast

• There is a clear contrast between the two approaches.
• The bright walls created a striking contrast with the dark furniture.

Distinction

A distinction is a clear or important difference between similar things.

• We must make a distinction between being confident and being arrogant.
• The distinction between formal and informal language is important.

Variation

A variation is a difference in amount, level, appearance or form.

• There are regional variations in pronunciation.
• The study revealed considerable variation in the results.

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Linking Words for Contrasting Ideas

Linking words are essential when talking about differences in English, especially in essays, reports and formal discussions.

Whereas

Use whereas to place two contrasting facts in the same sentence.

• City life is fast and exciting, whereas village life tends to be quieter.

Whereas is especially useful in essays, reports and articles.

While

While can also introduce a contrast.

• While the first hotel was luxurious, the second was more welcoming.

Remember that while can also refer to time, so the meaning depends on the context.

Unlike

Use unlike + noun or pronoun.

• Unlike many large cities, this one has an efficient public transport system.

Do not put a complete clause immediately after unlike.

Incorrect: Unlike the first flat was small, the second was spacious.

Correct:

• Unlike the first flat, the second was spacious.
• Whereas the first flat was small, the second was spacious.

However

Use however to introduce a contrasting sentence or clause.

• The course was demanding. However, it was extremely rewarding.

In formal writing, place a comma after however when it begins a sentence.

In contrast and by contrast

These expressions introduce a clear contrast with a previous idea.

• The town centre is noisy and crowded. In contrast, the suburbs are quiet.
• My previous job involved a great deal of travel. By contrast, I now work entirely from home.

We can also use in contrast to before a noun:

• In contrast to the first speaker, the second presented clear evidence.
• In contrast to last year, sales have increased considerably.

On the other hand

Use on the other hand to present a different or opposing aspect of the same subject.

• Living alone gives you greater independence. On the other hand, it can sometimes feel lonely.

Do not automatically use on the one hand before it. In many contexts, on the other hand works perfectly well by itself.

Compared with and compared to

Both expressions can introduce a comparison.

• Compared with last year, the company’s results are much stronger.
• The new model is lightweight compared to the previous version.

In formal analytical writing, compared with is often preferred when examining similarities and differences.

 

Idioms and Fixed Expressions about Differences

Idioms can make informal conversation and descriptive writing more vivid. Use them carefully in formal Cambridge essays.

A world apart

If two people or things are a world apart, they are extremely different.

• Although the sisters look alike, their personalities are a world apart.

Worlds apart

The plural form is also common.

• The two communities are geographically close but culturally worlds apart.

As different as chalk and cheese

This British expression describes two people or things that are completely different.

• Although they are brothers, they are as different as chalk and cheese.

This expression is informal and particularly common in British English.

Like comparing apples and oranges

This expression means that two things are so fundamentally different that comparing them is unfair or pointless.

• Comparing a small family business with a multinational company is like comparing apples and oranges.

This expression is especially common in American English. In British English, we may also say:

• We are not comparing like with like.
• You need to compare like with like.

A far cry from

If something is a far cry from something else, it is very different from it.

• The final product was a far cry from what the designers had originally promised.

The expression often suggests that the difference is surprising or disappointing, although it can also describe a positive change.

The difference between night and day

Use this expression when the difference is extremely clear or dramatic.

• The renovated hotel is completely different. It is like night and day.

A more natural version of the final example would be:

• The treatment made an enormous difference to his confidence.

Same difference

Same difference is an informal and sometimes dismissive response meaning that two options are essentially the same.

• “Should we take the 7.15 train or the 7.30 train?” “Same difference. We’ll arrive at almost the same time.”

Use this expression carefully. It can sound as though you do not consider another person’s distinction important.

Six of one and half a dozen of the other

This expression means that there is little real difference between two choices, explanations or people.

• Both sides were partly responsible, so it was six of one and half a dozen of the other.

It is informal and particularly common in British English.

Make a difference

To make a difference means to affect a situation, usually in a positive or meaningful way.

• A few small changes can make a considerable difference.

Common collocations include:

• make a big difference
• make a real difference
• make a noticeable difference
• make all the difference
• make little difference

Make all the difference

This means to have a very important effect.

• Choosing the right examples made all the difference to her presentation.

It makes no difference

This means that something does not affect the result or that you have no preference.

• It makes no difference to me which restaurant we choose.

We can also say:

• It does not make any difference.
• There is no difference.
• It is all the same to me.

A welcome change

A welcome change is a new situation that is pleasant because it is different from what came before it.

• The cool weather was a welcome change after several weeks of heat.

Common expressions include:

• a welcome change from
• a refreshing change
• a change of pace
• a change for the better

And now for something completely different

This humorous expression is used when introducing an entirely new and unrelated subject.

• We have discussed the budget. And now for something completely different: the office summer party.

The expression became strongly associated with the British comedy group Monty Python. It is humorous and unsuitable for most formal writing.

Useful Expressions Arranged by Degree

Small difference

• slightly different
• a little different
• not quite the same
• broadly similar
• much the same
• a subtle distinction

Examples:

• The two versions are slightly different.
• Their opinions are broadly similar, although they disagree on a few details.
• The designs look much the same at first glance.

Clear difference

• noticeably different
• clearly different
• significantly different
• a marked contrast
• a considerable difference
• differ considerably

Examples:

• The two approaches are noticeably different.
• There is a marked contrast between the beginning and end of the story.
• Their results differed considerably.

Complete difference

• completely different
• entirely different
• fundamentally different
• a world apart
• worlds apart
• as different as chalk and cheese
• bear little resemblance to

Examples:

• The final design was fundamentally different from the original plan.
• The two situations bear little resemblance to one another.
• Their attitudes towards money are worlds apart.

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Talking about Similarities and Differences Together

When talking about differences in English, we often need to mention similarities as well so that the comparison feels balanced. 

Useful phrases include:

• Both pictures show …
• The two situations are similar in that …
• They have several features in common.
• One similarity is …
• The main difference is …
• The most noticeable difference is …
• However, they differ in terms of …
• In contrast to the first picture …
• Whereas one image shows …, the other shows …

Example:

Both pictures show people spending time outdoors. However, the settings are noticeably different. Whereas the first picture shows a crowded urban park, the second features a quiet country garden. The people in the park appear energetic and sociable, while the woman in the garden seems calm and reflective.

This kind of language is particularly useful in B2 First Speaking Part 2.

Model paragraph: comparing city and country life

Living in a city is significantly different from living in the countryside. Cities generally offer more employment opportunities, better public transport and a wider range of entertainment. Rural areas, by contrast, tend to be quieter, less crowded and closer to nature. Although city life may be more convenient, it is often considerably more expensive and stressful. Country life can provide greater peace and space; however, access to services may be more limited. Ultimately, the better choice depends on a person’s lifestyle and priorities.

Model Cambridge-style comparison

Both options could help improve the local area, but they would have very different effects. Creating a public garden would provide residents with a peaceful place to relax, whereas building a sports centre would encourage people to become more active. The garden would probably be less expensive to maintain. On the other hand, the sports centre might benefit a wider range of age groups throughout the year. Although both ideas have advantages, I believe the sports centre would make a greater difference to the community.

Notice how the paragraph combines:

• comparative adjectives
• whereas
• on the other hand
• although
• make a difference

Final tip

Regular practice with talking about differences in English will help you compare ideas more precisely in both speaking and writing. Try to explain:

• what the difference is
• how large it is
• why it matters
• what effect it has

Instead of writing:

• The two schools are different.

Write:

• The two schools differ considerably in size, teaching style and academic expectations.

By mastering these structures for talking about differences in English, you will be able to make clearer, more precise and more convincing comparisons.

Related posts:

• Comparison of Adjectives and Adverbs in English 
• Comparing and Contrasting in English 
• Idioms for Showing Contrast in English 
• Linking Words and Phrases to Express Difference 
• Ways to Add Emphasis in English
• B2 First Speaking 
• How to Talk About Photos in B2 First Speaking Part 2
• B2 First Writing 
• C1 Advanced Writing 
• Linking Words for Contrasting Ideas 

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