I have seen the phrase "
different than" used, incorrectly, several times over the last month (here on E2, and in other media). This is an
understandable mistake for non-native English users, but most of us should know better.
The only time it is appropriate to say "different than" is when you are
comparing the different-ness of several things with respect to another thing: "With respect to pears, oranges are more different than apples". Beyond this unusual comparative use, it is proper to say "different from": "Apples are different from pears, but oranges are even more different from pears than apples."
The
example of misuse at hand is the CD sleeve from Dr. Jeffrey Thompson's
Brainwave Suite - Delta CD: "...audio tapes which are entirely
different than anything done before." If the usage had been "...
more different than anything...", "than" would be correct (if
sloppy); as it stands, it should be "...entirely different
from anything..."
Remember: when comparing the extent of difference, use "more different than" or "less different than"; otherwise, use "
different from".