a difference among

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difference among" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when discussing distinctions or variations within a group of items or individuals. Example: "There is a significant difference among the three proposals we received for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More research is required to examine the contributing factors for such a difference among different surgical procedures.

BMJ Open

To our knowledge, this is the first study to observe a difference among different age groups over age 65 in number of pain management strategies used; further research is needed to confirm this finding in other samples and to determine reasons for differential use in this group.

BMC Geriatrics

In general, there was no significant difference in contact intensity when comparing males and females, nor was there a difference among the different days of the week preceding the weekend.

BMC Infectious Diseases

With respect to relevance to industry, while the mathematical view of the engineering technicians working in industry could significantly differ from that of the mathematics educators, there could exist a difference among the mathematical views of the civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering technicians working in industry (Markes 2006).

International Journal of STEM Education

Dr. Richard Foulkes, an ophthalmologist in Hinsdale, Ill., outside Chicago, said there really was a difference among surgery centers.

The New York Times

"I have never felt there was a difference among people — Jews, Muslims, Christians — we are all human beings," he says.

The New York Times

These students, Ms. Hoxby said, "lack exposure to people who say there is a difference among colleges".

The New York Times

There was also a difference among the drones in the study: Predators and Reapers are armed, and Global Hawks are not.

The New York Times

These prickly issues come up nearly every time a study suggests a difference among racial or ethnic groups in the incidence or outcome of a disease or in the way people respond to medicines.

The New York Times - Health

Where you'll find a difference among forensic psychiatrists and psychologists is in which details they pay attention to, emphasize or ignore and the methods they use to determine the details.

The New York Times - Health

Jack Bishop, chief creative officer at America's Test Kitchen, a media company that publishes Cook's Illustrated and produces TV shows and events, said he had also noticed a difference among generations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing multiple items, ensure the context clearly indicates which items are being compared when using "a difference among".

Common error

Avoid using "a difference among" when only comparing two items; use "a difference between" instead. "Among" is appropriate for three or more items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difference among" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a distinction or variation that exists within a group of three or more entities. It is used to highlight that the items being considered are not identical and possess discernible differences. As per Ludwig AI, it’s correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difference among" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that highlights variations within a group of three or more items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, with a prevalence in scientific and news-related sources. When writing, it's important to distinguish its use from "a difference between", which is reserved for comparing only two items. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, writers can effectively use this phrase to convey nuanced distinctions in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contrast among

Focuses on the observable dissimilarities within a group.

a distinction between

Focuses on contrasting two specific items rather than variations within a larger group.

a variation across

Emphasizes the range of different forms or instances within a set.

a differentiation between

Highlights the process of distinguishing or separating items based on their unique qualities.

a disparity between

Highlights an inequality or significant difference, often with negative connotations.

a discrepancy among

Suggests an inconsistency or lack of alignment within a set of data or items.

a divergence among

Stresses the act of moving in different directions or evolving differently.

a deviation among

Implies a departure from a standard or expected norm within a group.

a gap between

Emphasizes the space or interval that separates different entities.

a split between

Highlights a division or separation into distinct factions or groups.

FAQs

How to use "a difference among" in a sentence?

Use "a difference among" to indicate distinctions or variations within a group of three or more items. For example, "There is "a difference among the three proposals" we received".

What can I say instead of "a difference among"?

You can use alternatives like "a distinction between", "a variation across", or "a contrast among" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a difference among" or "a difference between"?

"A difference among" is correct when comparing three or more items. "A difference between" is correct when comparing only two items. Choose the appropriate preposition based on the number of items being compared.

What's the difference between "a difference among" and "a difference between"?

"A difference among" is used when discussing variations or distinctions within a group of three or more items, while "a difference between" is used when comparing only two items. The choice depends on the number of entities being compared.