Language/English/Grammar/‘Differ-with’-and-‘Differ-from’

‘Differ with’ and ‘Differ from’ in English

Firstly, note that "differ with" and "differ from" tend to be used in formal spoken and written contexts. It would sound strange using it in everyday speech.

When you differ with someone, you disagree with that person’s opinion or idea.

When you differ from someone, it means that you are unlike that person.

E.g.

• The form teacher differed with the English teacher on the boy’s abilities.

• Mr Chan differed from his predecessor in terms of management style.

Here are some other verbs + prepositions

Sometimes you may find it hard to decide which preposition you should use with a word.

This is a list to help you.

• according to sb/sth (doings sth)

• angry with sb/sth over sth/sb (doing sth)

• ashamed of sb / sth / doing sth

• bored with sth/ sb / doing sth

• comment on sth / sb / doing sth

• disagree with sb / sth / doing sth

• disappointed in sb / sth / doing sth

• disappointed to do sth

• disappointed with sth / sb / doing sth

• disgusted at sb/ sth / doing sth (British English, "disgusted over" is more usual in American English)

• disgusted in sb / sth / doing sth (highly formal)

• disgusted with sb/sth/ doing sth (British English, "disgusted by" is more usual in American English)

• pride oneself on sth / sb / doing sth (highly formal)

• protest against sth / sb / doing sth

• rely on sb / sth / doing sth

• similar to sb / sth / doing sth

• write about sth/sb / doing sth

• write to sb about sth/sb / doing sth (British English, "write sb" is the more usual form in American English)

Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Contractions, Irregular Verbs, Beside and Besides & REFLEXIVE PRONOUNS.

Sources

https://www.languagecouncils.sg/goodenglish/-/media/sgem/document/additional-sgem-resources/pdf/grammar-rules-_-speak-good-english-movement.pdf?la=en

Other Lessons

• How Some pointers when using Adjectives
• RELATIVE PRONOUNS
• POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS
• Different Forms of the Verbs
• Prepositions of Time
• Questions
• Collocations with catch
• How Do Silent Letters Work?
• Collocations with pay
• Prepositions