a low difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a low difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a small or minimal disparity between two or more items, values, or measurements. Example: "The study found a low difference in performance between the two groups, indicating that the new method may not be significantly more effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The idea was that games with a high average and a low difference would offer the most competitive football between the best teams which might be pretty exciting.

The New Yorker

The idea was that games with a high average and a low difference would offer the most competitive football between the best teams — which might be pretty exciting.

The New Yorker

First one, it is a low difference between the Z numbers of carbon, nitrogen, and silicon, which forms the structure.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Preliminary characterization of the non-fractionated materials showed that a low difference in their average tacticity (PP2>PP1) leads to an important modification of their rigidity properties.

Polymer

Both, a high macro roughness of the reinforcement surface and a low difference in thermal expansion with regard to the surrounding CFRP is clearly proven to feature the highest level of energy absorption during pull-out tests.

Composite Structures

Favorable drilling targets for the development of complex fracture networks are brittle rocks in complex tectonic settings that are characterized by at least two intersecting natural fracture sets that are favorably oriented to the in-situ stress field, a low difference between the major principal stresses, and a low reservoir permeability.

Geothermics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The aromatic phenyl rings that composed the mesoporous hybrid organosilica walls of the Ph-PMO-PrSO3H materials does not confer to the sulfonic groups a stronger acidity since a very low difference was observed between the ν8a vibration wavenumbers of the DMPH+ molecule of SBA-15-PrSO3H and Ph-PMO-PrSO3H catalysts.

Catalysis Today

We are aware of the potential for bias, e.g. due to possible underreporting of incorrect baseline diagnoses leading to a false high rate of correct baseline diagnoses or a false low difference between study arms.

BMC Family Practice

Although it is likely that [F]DPA-714, which is an F-labelled derivative of DPA-713, will demonstrate a similar low difference in affinity ratio (low- versus high-affinity binding), this remains to be demonstrated.

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

A positive low difference in Figure 16(b) would indicate that the removed node is not particularly critical for the corresponding routing protocol.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

However, the execution on the phone is very efficient, with a pretty low difference between the two operators (approximately forty microseconds in the worst case, where some peaks are a consequence of the garbage collector).

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a low difference", ensure the context clearly establishes the items being compared. Be specific about the units of measurement when applicable to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a low difference" to describe changes that are statistically significant or practically meaningful. Reserve it for situations where the variation is truly minimal and inconsequential. If the difference is substantial, consider stronger terms like "significant difference" or "noticeable gap".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a low difference" functions as a noun phrase, with "low" modifying the noun "difference". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and can be used to describe a minimal disparity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

17%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a low difference" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a small or minimal disparity between two or more items, values, or measurements. As validated by Ludwig AI, it finds frequent application in scientific and technical writing, as well as in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the context clearly defines what is being compared and to avoid overstating the significance of the difference. Alternatives like "a slight discrepancy" or "a minimal variation" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. The phrase has a neutral register and is suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marginal difference

Focuses on the difference being at the margin or edge of being substantial.

a minimal variation

This phrase highlights that the change or difference is small.

a limited disparity

Focuses on the constrained or restricted nature of the inequality.

a slight discrepancy

This alternative focuses on a minor inconsistency or divergence.

a modest contrast

This alternative emphasizes that the contrast is small or unassuming.

a negligible distinction

This suggests the difference is so small it's practically unimportant.

a narrow gap

Similar to 'small margin', but can be used more broadly.

a fractional divergence

Suggests that the separation is minimal, almost insignificant.

a small margin

Emphasizes the narrowness of the difference, particularly in numerical contexts.

a near similarity

This emphasizes the closeness of two things rather than the small difference between them.

FAQs

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

You can use "a low difference" to describe situations where the variation between two or more things is small or insignificant. For example, "There was "a low difference" in test scores between the two groups".

What are some alternatives to saying "a low difference"?

Alternatives include "a slight discrepancy", "a minimal variation", or "a negligible distinction". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a small difference" or "a low difference"?

Both "a small difference" and "a low difference" are acceptable. "Small" generally refers to size or amount, while "low" can refer to degree or intensity. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey, but they are often interchangeable.

What does "a low difference" imply in a scientific context?

In scientific contexts, "a low difference" suggests that the experimental or observed values are very close, implying a high degree of similarity or consistency. It can also suggest that the effect size of an intervention is minimal.