a great difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a great difference' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large, noticeable difference between two things or situations. For example: "There is a great difference between what she says and what she does."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, using different correlations for calculation leads to a great difference in safety margin of SCWR.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

That's a great difference.

Columbia University

A great difference.

The Guardian - Tech

There was a great difference in maturity".

The Guardian - Books

Five years would probably make a great difference.

The New York Times - Food

I think he can make a great difference".

The New York Times - Sports

"I knew Mussolini, and there is a great difference.

The New York Times

"There is a great difference between jihad and terrorism".

The New York Times - Magazine

But there remains a great difference in outlook.

The New Yorker

Bethnal Green has equipment which can make a great difference.

The Guardian - Sport

I want to say that that makes a great difference.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a great difference", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being compared to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a great difference" when the actual difference is minor or insignificant. Ensure the magnitude of the difference justifies the use of "great".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great difference" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence to denote a significant distinction or variation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a great difference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight a significant distinction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence across various sources, from news and media to scientific literature, underscores its versatility. When using "a great difference", be sure that the magnitude of the difference justifies the "great" quantifier and clarify the comparison context to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "a significant disparity" or "a marked contrast" may offer nuanced variations, "a great difference" remains a clear and effective choice for expressing substantial dissimilarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant disparity

Replaces "great difference" with "significant disparity", emphasizing a noticeable lack of equality or similarity.

a marked contrast

Uses "marked contrast" to indicate a clear and easily observable difference.

a considerable variation

Employs "considerable variation" to suggest a notable range or degree of change.

a substantial divergence

Indicates a significant point at which things separate, using "substantial divergence".

a profound distinction

Highlights a deep and meaningful difference, replacing "great" with "profound".

a major discrepancy

Uses "major discrepancy" to point out a significant inconsistency or disagreement.

a vast gulf

Emphasizes a large separation or difference, using metaphorical language.

an enormous gap

Similar to "vast gulf", suggesting a considerable space or difference.

a world of difference

Expresses that the differences are extensive and affect everything.

chalk and cheese

Idiomatic expression highlighting how things can be unalike. Changes the tone and register of the phrase.

FAQs

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

Use "a great difference" to highlight a significant dissimilarity between two or more things. For example, "There's a great difference between the two approaches".

What are some alternatives to "a great difference"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant disparity", "a marked contrast", or "a considerable variation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "great difference" or "big difference"?

"Great difference" and "big difference" are both acceptable, but "great difference" often implies a more profound or impactful distinction. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

What's the nuance between "a great difference" and "a slight difference"?

"A great difference" emphasizes a substantial dissimilarity, while "a slight difference" indicates a minor or subtle distinction. The choice depends on the degree of variation you want to convey.