a discrepancy

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "discrepancy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a difference, especially a notable or significant difference, between two things. For example: "The discrepancy between what the researchers expected to find and the actual data was alarming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There was a discrepancy.

The New York Times - Sports

"What a discrepancy!

Independent

"We are seeing a discrepancy".

The Guardian

There is a discrepancy here.

The Guardian

Why is there such a discrepancy?

The New York Times

O.K., that is indeed a discrepancy.

The New York Times

'Gotcha!' I said spotting a discrepancy.

The Guardian - Travel

There will always be a discrepancy there".

The New York Times

Thus, there is a discrepancy of 6,500 bombs.

The New York Times

It was unclear why there was such a discrepancy.

The Guardian

"When a discrepancy comes in, it says, 'Shit!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a discrepancy" to introduce an element of surprise or contradiction. This invites the reader to explore the tension between two conflicting pieces of information. For instance, “There’s a discrepancy in the witness testimonies. One says the suspect wore a blue shirt, while another claims it was green.”

Common error

Avoid using "a discrepancy" when a simple difference exists without significant implications or contradictions. A discrepancy implies a notable or unexpected difference that warrants attention. Using it for trivial differences can dilute its impact and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a discrepancy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes an inconsistency or difference that is significant enough to warrant attention, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples from news and scientific sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a discrepancy" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, used to denote a notable difference or inconsistency. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various domains, particularly in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While alternatives like "a difference" or "an inconsistency" may be suitable substitutes depending on the specific nuance intended, it's important to reserve "a discrepancy" for situations where the difference is significant enough to warrant attention. Avoiding its use for trivial differences will maintain the phrase's impact and clarity. In conclusion, this phrase serves as a valuable asset to precise and analytical communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inconsistency

Implies a lack of logical coherence or agreement between different parts or aspects.

a disparity

Focuses on a noticeable and often unfair difference.

a difference

Focuses on the existence of a variation without necessarily implying an error or problem.

a variance

Highlights a deviation from a standard or expected value.

a mismatch

Suggests an unsuitable pairing or a failure to correspond correctly.

a divergence

Emphasizes the act of moving in different directions or paths.

a disagreement

Indicates a lack of consensus or harmony, often in opinions or data.

an anomaly

Points to something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

a contradiction

Highlights a direct opposition or incompatibility between two statements or facts.

a conflict

Emphasizes a strong disagreement or opposition, often leading to tension.

FAQs

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

You can use "a discrepancy" to point out differences between two facts or pieces of information. For example, "There is "a discrepancy" between the reported income and the tax returns."

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

"A discrepancy" usually suggests a conflict or inconsistency that needs to be resolved, whereas "a difference" is a more general term for any kind of variation.

Which is correct, "a discrepancy between" or "a discrepancy of"?

Both "a discrepancy between" and "a discrepancy of" are grammatically correct. "A discrepancy between" is used to compare two distinct things. "A discrepancy of" is used to quantify the amount of the difference.

What can I say instead of ""a discrepancy""?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an inconsistency", "a variance", or "a mismatch".