a meaningful difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a meaningful difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing distinctions that have significance or impact in a particular context. Example: "The new policy creates a meaningful difference in how we approach employee wellness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're actually making a meaningful difference".

The New York Times

It's hard to spot a meaningful difference on Osborne's yardstick.

The Guardian - Business

"Will these cars make a meaningful difference themselves?

The New York Times

Is a 16percentt reduction in soreness a meaningful difference?

The Washington Post

For families, in particular, that is a meaningful difference.

The New York Times - Travel

But the committee has not made a meaningful difference.

The Economist

Even so, he added, the program will, in the end, "make a meaningful difference".

The New York Times

She would do so only if she thought she could make a meaningful difference.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, there is a meaningful difference between an ordinary liar and a con artist.

The New Yorker

There would be a meaningful difference, Thomas had said, between 0-5 and 1-4.

The New York Times - Sports

The increase to $15 an hour will "have a meaningful difference in people's lives", he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a meaningful difference", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared and why the distinction matters.

Common error

Avoid using "a meaningful difference" when the variation is trivial or inconsequential, as this can dilute the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a meaningful difference" functions as a noun phrase, where 'meaningful' is an adjective modifying 'difference'. It indicates a distinction that is significant or important. Ludwig AI validates this usage with numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a meaningful difference" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase to denote a distinction of significance or importance. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate across various registers, from formal business to casual news reporting. When using this phrase, clarity in defining the comparison and its implications is key. Be cautious not to overstate the significance of trivial differences. Consider "a significant distinction", "an important distinction", or "a substantial variation" as alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant distinction

Emphasizes the importance and noticeability of the difference.

an important distinction

Highlights the relevance and criticality of the difference.

a consequential difference

Highlights the significant outcomes or effects of the difference.

a substantial variation

Highlights the degree or extent to which things differ.

a material difference

Emphasizes the difference has real and practical consequences.

a noteworthy disparity

Focuses on the inequality or difference that is worth paying attention to.

a telling difference

Implies that the difference reveals something important or insightful.

a considerable divergence

Indicates a deviation or departure from a common point.

a marked contrast

Stresses the clear and obvious differences between things.

a palpable distinction

Suggests the difference is easily perceived or felt.

FAQs

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

Use "a meaningful difference" to highlight a distinction that has a notable impact or importance. For example: "The new policy made "a meaningful difference" in employee satisfaction."

What's the difference between "a meaningful difference" and "a significant difference"?

While both phrases denote importance, "a significant difference" generally implies a notable or considerable distinction, whereas "a meaningful difference" suggests that the distinction has relevance or value in a specific context.

What can I say instead of "a meaningful difference"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant distinction", "an important distinction", or "a substantial variation" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to quantify "a meaningful difference"?

Not always, but providing specific examples or data points can strengthen your argument and make the impact of the difference more evident.