a hairline difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hairline difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small or subtle difference between two things, often in contexts like comparisons or measurements. Example: "The two designs are nearly identical, with only a hairline difference in color."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The distinction between a campaign contribution and a bribe is almost a hairline's difference," he said in 1971.

The New York Times

As the late Senator Russell Long of Louisiana noted, "The distinction between a large campaign contribution and a bribe is almost a hairline's difference".

Huffington Post

There's not even a hairline fracture.

The New Yorker

One vase had a hairline crack to the body.

The New York Times - Arts

X-rays revealed a hairline fracture in his collarbone.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a hairline decision and Bell had to go.

The Guardian - Sport

Dr. Dean Richardson will insert a screw to compress what Irwin called a "hairline fracture".

The New York Times - Sports

Nothing was broken, though there was a possibility of a hairline fracture.

The New York Times - Sports

To outsiders, it may look like a fuss over a hairline.

The Economist

Gabbert is recovering from a hairline fracture in his right thumb.

The New York Times - Sports

In 2002, a hairline fracture in his ankle ruined his first promising season.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hairline difference" when you want to emphasize how minimal the distinction between two things is, often implying that the difference is difficult to perceive or measure.

Common error

Avoid using "a hairline difference" to describe situations where the differences are significant or easily noticeable. This diminishes the impact and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hairline difference" functions as a noun phrase that serves as an adjective, modifying another noun to describe the extent of the difference between two things. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a hairline difference" is a grammatically correct and subtly powerful way to describe a distinction so minute that it's barely perceptible. Ludwig confirms its usability, with examples appearing in news, media, and even scientific contexts. While relatively rare, the phrase effectively communicates the idea of a minimal variation and finds use in describing the subtle nature of the difference. When communicating minimal differences, the phrase should be carefully used to give the reader the most exact and descriptive meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle distinction

Focuses on the subtlety of the difference.

a fine line

Highlights the delicate boundary between two things.

a marginal difference

Emphasizes that the difference is small and barely noticeable.

a slight variation

Indicates a small degree of change or alteration.

a negligible difference

Suggests the difference is so small it's practically unimportant.

a subtle nuance

Highlights a delicate and refined difference in meaning or expression.

a hair's breadth

Implies an extremely small distance or degree of separation.

a technicality

Refers to a minor, often legalistic, difference.

an almost imperceptible difference

Stresses how difficult it is to notice the difference.

a trivial difference

Points out that the difference is insignificant and unimportant.

FAQs

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

You can use "a hairline difference" to describe a very subtle distinction. For example: "There's "a hairline difference" between the two shades of blue."

What's another way to say "a hairline difference"?

Alternatives include "a subtle distinction", "a fine line", or "a slight variation", all emphasizing a small difference.

Is it appropriate to use "a hairline difference" in formal writing?

Yes, "a hairline difference" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when precision is needed to convey the subtlety of a distinction. However, consider your audience and context; sometimes a more straightforward term may be clearer.

What kind of differences can "a hairline difference" describe?

It can describe differences in appearance (e.g., colors), opinions, measurements, or any situation where the distinction is very small and potentially hard to detect.