a perceptible difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a perceptible difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a noticeable or detectable change or distinction between two or more things. Example: "After the adjustments were made to the software, users reported a perceptible difference in its performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

And it is also an area in which the pressure of the "ordinary" consumer can make a perceptible difference.

The Guardian - Opinion

Around 7.5 million commuters cram themselves into local trains every day and the fledgling metro and monorail are unlikely to make a perceptible difference in the near future.

The Guardian

Still, when I do compare Iceberg Water and others (including a mineral water by the fashion house Armani) to tap water in my own taste test, I convince myself that there is a perceptible difference.

Independent

The Labour leader's bold critique of energy cartels is the work of a man who has rejected neoliberalism's fundamental belief in unfettered markets and minimal government – this is a perceptible difference between Miliband and Ed Balls – and who has also embraced a classic progressivist "square deal" approach.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, even two-year-old trees made a perceptible difference.This research suggests that planting trees, and even converting billiard table-like swards of closely cropped pasture back to bushy moorland, could slow the rate of run-off into streams and rivers much more rapidly than previously suspected.

The Economist

However, there isn't much of a perceptible difference in preference towards any of the remaining genres.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"It's the only phone of the four that has a slightly more colour-saturated default setting: a barely perceptible difference but a bonus for people who just want to take good snapshots.

The Guardian - Tech

Is there any perceptible difference in the number of scientists getting in or out of the business because of the welter of bad feeling, including attacks on individual climate scientists, that has surrounded things like the stolen University of East Anglia e-mails?

The New York Times

Thus, a level of 10 points or more of improvement or decline was operationally used as a cut-off representing a clinically perceptible difference.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

As there is really a barely perceptible difference between me sober and me drunk (If you are not holding up your end of the conversation, I will always bulldoze right in and hold up both sides, just like a drunk person.

Huffington Post

Like, if I gave you a credit card with no cut-off point and let you loose in Harrods, wouldn't you shop like crazy?" I asked whether there are any perceptible differences between her work in the UK and Hong Kong, and she used an average English customer as her example in both situations.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a perceptible difference" to convey that a change or distinction is noticeable enough to be significant, but not necessarily drastic.

Common error

Avoid using "a perceptible difference" when the distinction is actually minor or negligible. Reserve this phrase for situations where the change genuinely matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a perceptible difference" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's utilized to denote a noticeable or detectable change, as demonstrated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a perceptible difference" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to indicate a noticeable distinction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it conveys that a change or variation is detectable. It is prevalent in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the difference being described is genuinely noticeable, and consider alternatives like "a noticeable distinction" or "a discernible variation" to fine-tune your message. Steer clear of overstating the impact of the difference to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a noticeable distinction

Emphasizes the ease with which the difference can be observed.

a detectable change

Focuses on the ability to identify the change through observation or measurement.

a clear-cut distinction

Stresses the unambiguous nature of the difference.

a discernible variation

Highlights the ability to distinguish the difference through careful observation.

an evident contrast

Emphasizes the obviousness of the difference.

an appreciable contrast

Focuses on the degree to which the items being compared are dissimilar.

a visible deviation

Highlights that the difference can be seen.

a tangible disparity

Suggests the difference is concrete and easily recognized.

a substantial alteration

Indicates the change is considerable and impactful.

a marked divergence

Implies the difference represents a significant departure from a norm or expectation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a perceptible difference" to describe a change or distinction that is noticeable. For example, "After the software update, there was "a perceptible difference" in loading times".

What is the difference between "a perceptible difference" and "a significant difference"?

"A perceptible difference" indicates that something is noticeably different, while "a significant difference" implies that the difference is important or meaningful. The former focuses on detectability, and the latter on importance.

Which is correct, "a perceptible difference" or "a perceivable difference"?

Both "a perceptible difference" and "a perceivable difference" are correct and have similar meanings. "Perceptible" is slightly more common in formal writing.

What are some alternatives to "a perceptible difference"?

You can use alternatives like "a noticeable distinction", "a discernible variation", or "an appreciable contrast" depending on the context.