Tip 29. Word Choice: talking about differences
Which option is NOT correct?
His version of what happened .................... from what other witnesses had told the court.
Wrong answer, try again!
Wrong answer, try again!
Correct answer!
Comment:
Use 'to distinguish' to talk about the ability to see differences between things, not to talk about the things themselves.
E.g. "A written agreement helps the parties distinguish between what was discussed during negotiations and what was actually agreed."
Use 'to depart from' when saying that something is different from what was planned or expected.
Use 'to differ' and 'to vary':
1. When something changes on its own: e.g.: "On the internet ticket prices vary from day to day."
2. And as in today's sentence – when something is different from what you would expect.
Use 'vary' also when someone changes something, e.g.:
"We are continually improving our products and reserve the right to vary the specifications without prior notice."
Wrong answer, try again!
