a definite difference between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definite difference between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize a clear distinction or contrast between two or more things. Example: "There is a definite difference between a leader and a manager in terms of their approach to team dynamics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Whilst there is a definite difference between the highest and lowest levels, no one's natural SPF is enough to keep the ills of sun damage (that's skin cancer, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, to name but a few) at bay.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is a definite difference between a goal that comes from the depth of our own unique sense of purpose and a goal that satisfies our ego.

Huffington Post

While it has been established that there is a definite difference between fresh and older blood, the clinical implication remains uncertain and therefore initiating prospective double-blind randomised clinical trials may resolve the ongoing debate [ 25].

BioMed Research International

There is a definite difference between methylated and unmethylated islands and the compositions of their characteristics (Length, GC content, ObsCpG/ExpCpG ratio) which all had p-values less than 0.05 (as indicated by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov two-sample test).

BMC Genomics

Available data suggest that there is also a definite difference between sexes in age-related changes of whole-body fat distribution, especially in the abdominal fat tissues, and that the accumulation of visceral fat is markedly accelerated after menopause (Toth et al., 2000; Poehlman, 2002; Shi et al., 2009).

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition

When standing above your dog and looking directly down at their back you should see an obvious waist in front of the rear legs and a definite difference between the chest and the abdomen.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A definite difference in approach between two nations that are supposedly going to be big supporters of each other in the future.

The New York Times

Finally, a third power level estimate can be derived by forcing a positive definite difference between the data autocorrelation matrix and the candidate matrix, as it was done in [24].

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

There was a definite difference in university entrepreneurship between the US and Japan, as of 2003.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Dekker showed data from the Diabetes Epidemiology Collaborative Analysiss of Diagnostic Criteria in Europe (DECODE) study favoring the use of 2-h glucose without a threshold for mortality, as the 2-h glucose increased from ≤3 to ≥11.1 mmol/l/l, while there is a definite difference in outcome for fasting glucose between ≥7 and <7 mmol/l/l (10).

Diabetes Care

Granderson said he noticed a definite difference.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definite difference between" to clearly emphasize a contrast, ensuring that the distinction is easily understood by your audience. Provide specific examples to illustrate the difference for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a definite difference between" when the distinction is minor or subjective. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact when a truly significant difference needs to be highlighted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite difference between" serves as a means to highlight and emphasize a clear and easily recognizable contrast between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing examples where the phrase introduces a notable distinction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a definite difference between" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to emphasize a clear contrast. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's used across various domains, including science, news, and general writing, to highlight notable distinctions. While its frequency is uncommon, using this phrase effectively communicates a significant difference, reinforcing clarity and understanding. Remember to provide examples to fully illustrate the difference and avoid overusing the phrase in situations where the distinction is minimal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear distinction between

Replaces "definite" with "clear", emphasizing the obviousness of the difference.

a marked difference between

Substitutes "definite" with "marked", highlighting the notability of the difference.

a significant difference between

Replaces "definite" with "significant", indicating the importance of the difference.

a distinct difference between

Uses "distinct" instead of "definite", suggesting a clear and easily recognizable difference.

an obvious difference between

Replaces "definite" with "obvious", emphasizing the easiness to notice the difference.

a noticeable difference between

Substitutes "definite" with "noticeable", highlighting the ease to notice the difference.

a tangible difference between

Uses "tangible" instead of "definite", suggesting a concrete and measurable difference.

a real difference between

Replaces "definite" with "real", highlighting the authenticity of the difference.

a fundamental difference between

Substitutes "definite" with "fundamental", indicating a basic and essential difference.

a crucial difference between

Uses "crucial" instead of "definite", suggesting that the difference is vital.

FAQs

How can I use "a definite difference between" in a sentence?

Use "a definite difference between" to highlight a clear and easily recognizable contrast. For example, "There's a definite difference between working hard and working smart."

What can I say instead of "a definite difference between"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear distinction between", "a marked difference between", or "a significant difference between" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a definite difference between" and "a subtle difference between"?

"A definite difference between" emphasizes a clear and easily noticeable distinction, while "a subtle difference between" implies that the distinction is not immediately apparent and requires closer examination.

Is it always necessary to provide examples after stating "a definite difference between"?

Providing examples after stating "a definite difference between" enhances clarity and strengthens your argument. While not always mandatory, it's a best practice to ensure your audience understands the distinction you're making.