Question 1

Is "different from," "different to," or "different than" correct?

Accepted Answer

All three forms exist, but they are not equally accepted. "Different from" is the standard form in both British and American English and is always correct: "My opinion is different from yours." "Different to" is commonly used in informal British English and is widely accepted in everyday speech, though some grammar guides still prefer "from." "Different than" is mainly American English and is rarely used in British contexts. For Cambridge examinations and formal writing, always use "different from" — it is the safest choice and the form examiners expect. In everyday British conversation, both "different from" and "different to" are perfectly natural.

Question 2

What is the difference between "bored with" and "bored of"?

Accepted Answer

"Bored with" is the traditional and formally correct form: "I'm bored with this film." "Bored of" is increasingly common in modern British English, especially among younger speakers, and many grammar authorities now accept it. However, "bored with" remains the preferred form in examinations and formal writing. The distinction matters because "bored of" was historically considered non-standard, and some examiners may still mark it as incorrect. For safe examination practice, always use "bored with." A similar debate exists for "fed up with" — here there is no alternative form, so "fed up with" is the only correct option and should never be changed to "fed up of."

Question 3

Why do emotions about the future use "about"?

Accepted Answer

When you feel something about a topic, event, or possibility, English uses "about" because the preposition signals that your emotion surrounds or concerns that thing. "Worried about the exam" means your worry concerns the exam. "Excited about the holiday" means your excitement concerns the holiday. Think of "about" as meaning "concerning" or "on the subject of" — your feeling is directed at a topic. This differs from "with," which connects you to something you are experiencing directly: "pleased with the results" means the results are in front of you. Future events are not yet present, so "about" (concerning something) fits better than "with" (experiencing something directly).

Adjective + WITH, ABOUT & FROM Exercises

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