a big discrepancy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big discrepancy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant difference or inconsistency between two or more things, such as data, reports, or opinions. Example: "There was a big discrepancy between the sales figures reported by the marketing team and the actual sales data from the finance department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

That is a big discrepancy.

The Guardian

But there is a big discrepancy between how celebrity shows perform online versus on television.

The New York Times

That is a big discrepancy and more than an accounting exercise.

The New York Times

"So there's a big discrepancy — a clash — and the brain doesn't like discrepancies," Ramachandran said.

The New Yorker

There is, to put it mildly, a big discrepancy between these nations.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a big discrepancy between that line and the offensive line of Georgia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The 'orthotropic model', on the other hand, shows a bigger discrepancy of more than 30%.

Thin-Walled Structures

However, the enrollment rate for urban students is increasing, which resulted in a bigger discrepancy between the enrollment rate of rural students and that of the urban students.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Tobacco use diagnosis showed a bigger discrepancy than alcohol or drug dependence diagnoses where the prevalence was 36.8% using chart data, but only 15.6% using administrative data.

BMC Health Services Research

"It's definitely different than the N.C.A.A. basketball tournament, where there's a pretty big discrepancy between a 1 and a 16.

The New York Times

When you call their references, if there is a very big discrepancy between their self-image and what other people are saying about them, that is usually indicative of some underlying kind of social issue you are going to be facing down the road.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big discrepancy", ensure you clearly identify the two or more items being compared and specify the aspect in which they differ.

Common error

Avoid using "a big discrepancy" when the difference is minor or insignificant, as this can mislead the reader about the true extent of the variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big discrepancy" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It points to a significant difference or inconsistency. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big discrepancy" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight significant differences or inconsistencies. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples from reputable sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its widespread use in news, science, and various other contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, consider more technical alternatives in highly specialized fields. When using this phrase, clearly identify the items being compared to avoid ambiguity and avoid using it for minor differences. Alternatives like "a significant difference" or "a notable inconsistency" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Overall, "a big discrepancy" is a versatile and useful phrase for emphasizing notable divergences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant difference

This alternative emphasizes the importance or impact of the difference.

a notable inconsistency

This alternative focuses on the lack of alignment or agreement between two things.

a marked contrast

This alternative highlights the clear and distinct differences between two things.

a considerable disparity

This alternative suggests an imbalance or inequality between two things.

a substantial gap

This alternative emphasizes the space or interval between two things.

a major divergence

This alternative emphasizes the point at which two things begin to differ or separate.

a glaring contradiction

This alternative highlights an obvious and irreconcilable conflict.

a wide variation

This alternative focuses on the range of differences within a set of data or observations.

a pronounced imbalance

This alternative emphasizes a lack of equilibrium or proportionality.

a stark difference

This alternative highlights a sharp, and often unwelcome, difference between items.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big discrepancy" to highlight a significant difference or inconsistency between two or more things. For example, "There's "a big discrepancy" between the company's projected revenue and its actual earnings."

What are some alternatives to saying "a big discrepancy"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant difference", "a notable inconsistency", or "a marked contrast" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a big discrepancy" in formal writing?

Yes, "a big discrepancy" is appropriate for formal writing, though you might consider using alternatives like "a significant difference" or "a substantial gap" for a slightly more elevated tone.

What is the difference between "a big discrepancy" and "a minor discrepancy"?

"A big discrepancy" implies a large, noticeable difference, while "a minor discrepancy" suggests a small, relatively unimportant difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you are describing.