Americans use both different from and different than. And the British use different to as well – not different than, though!

Let’s see where each stands.

 

GENERALLY ACCEPTED

Generally, we say thus:

This shoe is bigger than that.

Or,           The reality shows are more mind-numbing than movies.

Clearly the conjunction than points to a comparison. Therefore, grammar-wise, than is preceded by the comparative form of the adjective (is, –er or more). Thus we can have:

greater than

OR    more beautiful than

But, different is not a comparative form of an adjective – although it is an adjective alright.

DRAW THE PICTURE, DESCRIBE IT

So, the preposition from is more suitable than the conjunction than. If you draw a picture, different connotes moving away. Is different from…moving away… And the preposition from also draws the picture of separation.

But than merely tries to join.

This is good. That is better.

Joining them gives us:

                  This is better THAN that.

Therefore, we say,

Your shop is different from other grocery stores.

Her mobile is different from mine.

DIFFERENT THAN

In America, DIFFERENT THAN seems to be quite acceptable. In fact, it is used interchangeably with DIFFERENT FROM.

Why? Don’t ask! English as she is spake!

An argument they put forward is it’s okay to use different than if it’s followed by a clause. So,

The clay-pot display was different than it was last time.

She looked different than she was last summer.

This book is different than the one I read last time.

OR              This book is different than what I read last time.

BUT     This book is different from the last one.

 The logic is, “…it was last year…” is a clause so, than is correct.

I’m not arguing. But, just say the Americans also love different than.

DIFFERENT TO

Now, this is a British singularity.

The English stew is different to the Irish stew.

Don’t say no to this either. The British also love different to!

CONCLUSION

I’d say, prefer different from over the other two. But, whether you use one or the other or the third, be consistent in your writing.

Speak whatever you please. Because English is as she is spake!