a discernible difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a discernible difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing noticeable distinctions between two or more items, concepts, or situations. Example: "After conducting the experiment, we found a discernible difference in the results between the two groups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Third, drinking hydrogen-rich water in different concentrations, injecting different quantities of hydrogen saline, or inhaling different amounts of hydrogen gas did not show a discernible difference in effects [ 22- 24].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

"There was a discernible difference between Toronto in the first quarter and the first quarter yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

The addition of an authentic all-rounder has made a discernible difference to the tourists.

Independent

"The board decided that the difference of 11 feet at a mile and a half is not a discernible difference".

The New York Times

He noted with a smile that there was a discernible difference between the way the game is played back home and in the city.

The New York Times

Aside from the occasional eclectic discovery, are there areas where amateurs can make a discernible difference to the general body of scientific knowledge?

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It hasn't made any discernible difference.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet the current literature doesn't show any discernible difference in patient outcomes related to the type of mesh used.

Harvard Business Review

When the team used a suction cup to attach the respirometer directly to the pufferfish skin, they still did not measure any discernible difference in oxygen.

The Guardian

But those who'd merely kept up their baseline fitness throughout the study, adjusted for age (aerobic capacity declines with age, even among people who exercise regularly) had 26 percent less risk of the condition, a barely discernible difference.

The New York Times

Tradition places her age at sixteen when the portrait was made, and there is a subtly discernible difference in maturity in the faces of the two teahouse girls.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While "a discernible difference" is appropriate for formal and neutral writing, a more informal phrase might be better suited for casual conversations.

Common error

Avoid pairing "a discernible difference" with words like "obvious" or "clear" as this creates redundancy. For example, instead of saying "a clearly discernible difference", opt for just "a discernible difference" or "a clear difference".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a discernible difference" functions as a noun phrase, where "discernible" is an adjective modifying the noun "difference". It typically serves to highlight a contrast or distinction that can be perceived or recognized. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a discernible difference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that highlights a noticeable contrast. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Its presence across diverse platforms like news articles, scientific publications, and business documents underscores its broad applicability. To enhance your writing, use "a discernible difference" when you want to emphasize an observable and meaningful distinction, while avoiding redundant phrasing. Remember that while perfectly ok, there are other alternatives such as "a noticeable distinction" or "a perceptible contrast". In general, by mastering its usage and nuances, you can effectively convey clarity and precision in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a noticeable distinction

Replaces "discernible" with "noticeable" and "difference" with "distinction", emphasizing ease of observation.

a perceptible contrast

Substitutes "discernible" with "perceptible" and "difference" with "contrast", focusing on sensory awareness.

a clear-cut distinction

Emphasizes the distinctness and lack of ambiguity in the difference.

an appreciable variation

Highlights that the difference is significant enough to be worth considering.

a marked divergence

Suggests a more significant separation or deviation between the items being compared.

a tangible dissimilarity

Focuses on the concrete, easily identifiable aspects of the difference.

a demonstrable variation

Highlights that the difference can be proven or shown to exist.

an evident inequality

Implies an imbalance or lack of parity that is easy to see.

a distinct alteration

Highlights a change or modification that is easily recognized.

a visible deviation

Focuses on differences that can be observed without difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "a discernible difference" to highlight a noticeable distinction between two things. For example, "There was "a discernible difference" in the quality of service between the two restaurants."

What's the difference between "a discernible difference" and "a noticeable difference"?

While both phrases indicate a difference that can be observed, "a discernible difference" suggests that the difference is capable of being perceived or recognized, possibly after some scrutiny, while "a noticeable difference" implies that the distinction is immediately apparent.

What are some synonyms for "a discernible difference"?

Synonyms for "a discernible difference" include "a perceptible contrast", "a noticeable distinction", and "a clear difference". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify "a discernible difference", or can I simply say "a difference"?

Using "a discernible difference" emphasizes that the distinction is significant enough to be recognized. If the difference is subtle or questionable, simply stating "a difference" may be more appropriate. If there is no difference, you can use "no discernible difference"