a phenomenal difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a phenomenal difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or remarkable change or distinction between two or more things. Example: "The new software update made a phenomenal difference in the system's performance, allowing for faster processing times."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The way you cut your raw veg (and fruit) can make a phenomenal difference to how they taste.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Part of Mr. Montana's greatness, Mr. Walsh wrote in an article in the Harvard Business Review a year ago, is the "10percentto15percentcent of the time his spontaneous instincts would break loose and make a phenomenal difference in the outcome of a game". Mr. Walsh said Mr. Montana had to be encouraged to try spontaneity early in his career.

The New York Times

However, there is still a phenomenal difference between these two ways of representing the square.

SEP

The subject's ignorance of the gorilla's appearance, for example, is compatible with its being the case that the presence of the gorilla does make a phenomenal difference for the inattentive subject.

SEP

Going with these differences, there seems to be a phenomenal difference between the experience of seeing a red cube to your left and seeing a red cube to your right.

SEP

The normal representationalist move would be to say that the visual experience represents the relevant part of the world as being blurry, but here we want to concede that there is a phenomenal difference between seeing an object as being blurry and blurrily seeing a nonblurry object.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

To explain the subject's ignorance we need only say that any phenomenal difference that the unattended gorilla makes is a difference that the subject is unable to use in answering the experimenter's question about whether anything strange happened in the scene.

SEP

Obviously there can be differences in the representational contents of experiences without any phenomenal difference.

SEP

However, there are a few crops for which research does show that freshness can make a truly phenomenal difference, making homegrown the very best option, and nowhere is this more true than in the case of broccoli.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So we do not here have a case of phenomenal difference without representational difference.

SEP

One version of this response says that the phenomenal difference is a 'raw feel' or 'qualia' (see Block 1990 , 1996; another version holds that a single color property can present itself to a perceiver in phenomenally different ways.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the two elements being compared, allowing the magnitude of the difference to be fully appreciated.

Common error

Avoid using "a phenomenal difference" for minor or insignificant changes. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for truly remarkable distinctions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a phenomenal difference" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a difference that is particularly striking, significant, or remarkable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and highlights a substantial distinction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a phenomenal difference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize a notable and substantial distinction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its use across various contexts, particularly in science and news reporting. While versatile, reserve this phrase for situations where the difference is truly remarkable to avoid diminishing its impact. Consider alternatives like ""a remarkable distinction"" or ""a significant impact"" to ensure the most fitting expression for the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable distinction

Replaces "phenomenal difference" with "remarkable distinction", emphasizing the noteworthiness of the difference.

a significant impact

Focuses on the substantial effect or influence rather than just the difference.

a striking contrast

Highlights the obvious and noticeable difference between two things.

a world of difference

Emphasizes the large magnitude of the difference.

a considerable variation

Emphasizes the degree of change or divergence.

a vast divergence

Indicates a large degree of separation or difference.

a substantial alteration

Focuses on the significant change that has occurred.

a profound shift

Highlights a deep and meaningful change in direction or nature.

a sea change

Suggests a major and comprehensive transformation.

a quantum leap

Implies a sudden and significant advance or change.

FAQs

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

You can use "a phenomenal difference" to highlight a significant distinction or impact. For example, "The new approach made "a phenomenal difference" in project outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "a phenomenal difference"?

Some alternatives include "a remarkable distinction", "a significant impact", or "a striking contrast". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a phenomenal difference" is appropriate for formal writing when used to accurately describe a significant and noteworthy distinction. However, consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

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

"A significant difference" indicates that the difference is important or meaningful. "A phenomenal difference" suggests that the difference is not only significant but also extraordinary or remarkable. The latter emphasizes the magnitude of the distinction.