a big difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight a significant distinction or contrast between two or more things. Example: "There is a big difference between working in an office and working from home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Contexts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a big difference".

The New York Times - Sports

That's a big difference.

The New York Times

There's a big difference".

The New York Times - Sports

This is a big difference.

The Economist

So that's a big difference".

The New Yorker

It's not a big difference.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a big difference".

The New York Times

That makes a big difference".

The New York Times - Sports

That was a big difference.

The New York Times

It's made a big difference".

The New York Times

But there's a big difference.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to avoid overuse of "a big difference". Consider using synonyms like "significant disparity" or "major contrast" for richer writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a big difference" without specifying the items being compared. For example, instead of saying "It made a big difference", specify "It made a big difference to the project's timeline".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big difference" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It signifies a notable disparity or distinction between two or more entities, qualities, or situations, as demonstrated across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big difference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight significant distinctions across various contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Sports, and general conversations, it emphasizes the magnitude of a contrast. To enhance clarity, always specify what is being compared and consider using synonyms like "significant disparity" or "major contrast" to enrich your writing. Avoiding vague comparisons ensures your message is precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a world of difference

An idiomatic expression that amplifies the extent of the difference.

a significant disparity

Replaces "difference" with "disparity" and uses "significant" to emphasize the degree of difference.

a major contrast

Substitutes "difference" with "contrast" and "big" with "major" to highlight the marked distinction.

a considerable variation

Employs "variation" instead of "difference" and "considerable" in place of "big" to indicate a noteworthy divergence.

a substantial distinction

Uses "distinction" for "difference" and "substantial" for "big" to suggest a significant and important difference.

a marked divergence

Replaces "difference" with "divergence" and uses "marked" to show a noticeable distinction.

a striking dissimilarity

Substitutes "difference" with "dissimilarity" and "big" with "striking" to highlight a particularly noticeable difference.

a vast gulf

Replaces "difference" with "gulf" and "big" with "vast" to emphasize the great separation.

a profound divide

Uses "divide" instead of "difference" and "profound" for "big" to indicate a deep and significant separation.

an important deviation

Replaces "difference" with "deviation" and replaces "big" with "important" to highlight a change from what is expected.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "a big difference"?

Alternatives include "a significant difference", "a major contrast", or "a substantial distinction", depending on the context.

How can I use "a big difference" in a sentence?

You can use it to highlight a significant distinction, such as: "There's a big difference between driving a car and riding a motorcycle."

What's the difference between "a big difference" and "a slight difference"?

"A big difference" indicates a notable distinction, while "a slight difference" suggests a minimal or hardly noticeable variation.

Is it better to say "a big difference" or "a significant difference"?

Both are correct, but "a significant difference" might be preferred in formal writing, while "a big difference" is suitable for general use.