a bigger difference

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bigger difference" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to emphasize the extent of change or contrast between two things: "Since last year, she has seen a bigger difference in her favorite team's ability to score points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He even floated returning to Indiana to teach, telling Ezra Klein he felt he could "make a bigger difference in a different capacity".

Huffington Post

Ishikawa et al. studied the plasma-lipid profiles of men and women of different ages, and reported a bigger difference between older males and females [ 45, 46].

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

There's a bigger difference at work here, though.

The Guardian - Money

And few things make a bigger difference to your looks.

The New York Times

"It's a bigger difference than there is in salaries," he adds.

The Guardian - Money

Perhaps readers of this column, collectively informed, could make a bigger difference.

The New York Times

That made a bigger difference than anything else — finding something I just couldn't get enough of".

The New Yorker

Donors who write small checks know they can make a bigger difference.

The New York Times

"Where there might be a bigger difference is on the Fed's new openness and communicativeness.

The New York Times

"So we need to use a bigger difference in cornering because of the speed we have".

The New York Times - Sports

"It can make a bigger splash and a bigger difference if it's bigger and if it's more inclusive".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bigger difference" when you want to emphasize a notable increase in disparity or impact between two things. For example, "Investing in renewable energy can make "a bigger difference" in reducing carbon emissions than simply recycling."

Common error

While "a bigger difference" is grammatically correct, avoid overuse in extremely informal contexts where simpler phrasing like "a larger effect" or "a greater impact" might sound more natural. Save the more formal phrasing for situations that warrant it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bigger difference" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a quantifiable or qualitative increase in the dissimilarity between two or more entities or situations. This is validated by Ludwig AI, as well.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bigger difference" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to emphasize a notable increase in disparity or impact. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. When writing, use this phrase to highlight significant distinctions and consider alternative phrasings like "a more significant difference" for nuanced emphasis. While widely applicable, be mindful of the register and avoid overuse in excessively informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more significant difference

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of the difference.

a greater disparity

Focuses specifically on the inequality or imbalance between two things.

a more pronounced difference

Highlights the clarity and distinctiveness of the difference.

a larger gap

Uses spatial metaphor to describe the difference as a measurable distance.

a more substantial difference

Highlights the solid or material nature of the difference, implying it is not superficial.

a considerable difference

Indicates that the difference is worthy of attention or consideration.

a marked difference

Stresses that the difference is easily noticeable or distinct.

a noticeable difference

Implies that the difference is easily observed.

a distinct difference

Focuses on the clear and unambiguous nature of the difference.

a major difference

Emphasizes the significance and scale of the difference.

FAQs

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

Use "a bigger difference" to highlight a significant disparity or impact. For example, "Switching to solar power makes "a bigger difference" than just turning off the lights." Consider also related phrases.

What's a good alternative to "a bigger difference"?

Alternatives include "a more significant difference", "a greater disparity", or "a more pronounced difference" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a bigger difference"?

While grammatically correct, "a bigger difference" might sound slightly formal in very casual conversation. Choose phrasing that aligns with your audience.

How does "a bigger difference" compare to "a small difference"?

"A bigger difference" emphasizes a substantial impact or disparity, while "a small difference" suggests a negligible effect or similarity. The choice depends on the actual magnitude of the effect being described.