Reconcile the difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Reconcile the difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of resolving discrepancies or conflicts between two or more items, ideas, or accounts. Example: "In order to move forward with the project, we need to reconcile the difference between the budget estimates and the actual costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"The computer can't reconcile the difference, or permit the [co-pilot] to fly normally from the right seat when there is a problem" with the pilot's control display.

The Washington Post

It's only hard to reconcile the difference between the two views if you accept that Spurr was, as he asserts, playing a "whimsical linguistic game".

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not clear how to reconcile the difference in the accounts of how many detainees are participating in the hunger strike.

The New York Times

The net result was the prospect that the Senate and the House will have passed different temporary spending bills and that the Senate will have to return later this week to reconcile the difference.

The New York Times

The brain gets disoriented trying to reconcile the difference between the distance to the image and the foreshortened viewing angle.

Forbes

Asked about the disparity, Northrop officials questioned whether the figures were directly comparable and said they could not immediately reconcile the difference.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"He [the complainant] could not reconcile the differences," Wallington said.

The Guardian

After months of delay, a conference committee will meet later this month to reconcile the differences.

The New York Times

That left Republicans scrambling to reconcile the differences between the approaches of the two men.

The New York Times

Their contrasting moods are so antithetical that it's hard to reconcile the differences.

The Times

And we haven't yet figured out how to reconcile the differences.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reconcile the difference", ensure that the context clearly identifies the two or more items or accounts that are being compared and adjusted to find agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "reconcile the difference" when simply making a choice between options. This phrase implies a need to adjust or harmonize existing disparities, not just selecting one alternative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reconcile the difference" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken to resolve inconsistencies or discrepancies. As Ludwig AI explains, it is usable in written English and serves to resolve discrepancies or conflicts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reconcile the difference" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of resolving inconsistencies between two or more accounts or ideas. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable and understandable in English. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in a range of contexts, primarily within news and media, scientific, and academic sources. To maintain clarity in writing, use this phrase when you are specifically referring to the harmonization of differing accounts or data sets.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the discrepancy

Focuses on finding a solution to a specific inconsistency, often quantifiable.

harmonize the variations

Suggests a blending of differing elements to create a cohesive whole.

iron out the inconsistencies

Implies a process of removing minor discrepancies to achieve agreement.

settle the disagreement

Highlights the resolution of a conflict or dispute between parties.

bridge the gap

Emphasizes connecting two disparate points or ideas.

bring into accord

Indicates aligning differing viewpoints or data points.

square the accounts

Specifically refers to making financial records balance.

adjust the imbalance

Focuses on correcting a state of unequal distribution or discrepancy.

find common ground

Suggests discovering shared opinions or beliefs despite initial differences.

come to terms

Implies reaching an agreement or acceptance after a period of negotiation or conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "reconcile the difference" in a sentence?

The phrase "reconcile the difference" is used when you are trying to find a way to make two or more things consistent or compatible. For example, "The accountant had to reconcile the difference between the bank statement and the company's records".

What's the difference between "resolve the discrepancy" and "reconcile the difference"?

While both phrases relate to fixing inconsistencies, "resolve the discrepancy" often implies finding a clear answer to a specific inconsistency. "Reconcile the difference" may involve a more complex process of adjusting multiple factors to achieve overall consistency.

Are there formal alternatives to "reconcile the difference"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "harmonize the variations" or "bring into accord". These options convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

When is it appropriate to use "reconcile the difference"?

"Reconcile the difference" is appropriate when you need to adjust or explain the inconsistencies between two sets of data, accounts, or ideas. It suggests a process of finding a reasonable explanation for the variations.