a different approach

Meanings

1. 1phrasecountable

   a way of dealing with a problem or task that is not the one already used or suggested.

   Grammar: Countable: use 'a' with the singular, and 'approaches' in the plural: 'We tried three different approaches.'

   Patterns

   • a different approach to something
   • take a different approach
   • try a different approach

   The first plan failed, so we need a different approach.

   She took a different approach to the same problem and solved it in an hour.

   Teachers are trying a different approach to reading in the early years.

2. 2phrasecountable

   a way of thinking about or studying a subject that differs from the usual one.

   Grammar: Often followed by 'to' plus a noun or an -ing form: 'a different approach to solving this'.

   Patterns

   • a different approach to doing something
   • a fresh approach

   His book takes a different approach to the history of the region.

   If the data still looks odd, a different approach to the analysis may help.

3. 3phrasecountable

   a manner of speaking to or dealing with someone that is unlike your usual one.

   Grammar: Used about people as well as tasks; the contrast is with how you behaved before.

   Patterns

   • a different approach with someone
   • adopt a different approach

   With the younger children she uses a different approach.

   After the complaint, the manager decided on a different approach with customers.

Common combinations

take a different approach

If the medicine isn't working, the doctor may take a different approach.

a completely different approach

Their new coach wants a completely different approach to training.

a different approach to something

There is a different approach to this kind of repair that costs less.

try a different approach

Let's try a different approach before we give up.

need a different approach

This old problem clearly needs a different approach.

Synonyms and how they differ

alternative

Use 'alternative' for one of two or more options you can choose instead; 'a different approach' stresses that the method itself is not the same.

new method

'New method' suggests something recently created, while 'a different approach' can be old but simply unlike the current one.

strategy

'Strategy' often suggests a longer, planned campaign; 'a different approach' can be a small change in how you do one thing.

Opposites

Word family

approach noun

the general noun for a way of doing something, without the idea of contrast.

approach verb

to move toward someone or something, or to deal with a problem in a particular way.

approachable adjective

friendly and easy to talk to.

Commonly confused: a different approach or different approach? a different approach or another approach?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a different approach”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words