a significant difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant difference" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used when describing a notable or meaningful contrast between two things. Example: There was a significant difference in test scores between the students who studied for the exam and those who did not.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is that a significant difference?

Cornell University

Reversing that would make a significant difference.

The Economist

Fees can make a significant difference.

The New York Times

"But is it a significant difference?

The New York Times

There is a significant difference, however.

The New Yorker

Could Mathieu Flamini make a significant difference?

The Guardian - Sport

Will they make a significant difference?

The New York Times

A significant difference between var.

Mycological Research

Institutional Research... making a significant difference.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"That's a significant difference," Witteman says.

Nature

"There is a significant difference here," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a significant difference", ensure you quantify the difference if possible to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying 'There was a significant difference in sales', specify 'There was a significant 20% difference in sales after the marketing campaign'.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant difference" without providing context or explanation. Readers need to understand what makes the difference significant and why it matters. Always elaborate on the nature and implications of the difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant difference" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a distinction that is important or noteworthy. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

28%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a significant difference" is a common and grammatically sound way to highlight a notable distinction, Ludwig confirms. It serves to emphasize that the difference being discussed is important and impactful. Found frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing, this phrase has a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, make sure to provide context on what makes the difference significant. Consider using alternatives like "a notable difference" or "a substantial difference" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a notable difference

Similar to significant, but emphasizes the worthiness of being noted.

a clear distinction

Focuses on the clarity and ease of perceiving the difference.

an important distinction

Similar to "a significant difference", emphasizing the relevance of the distinction.

a marked difference

Focuses on the clear and distinct nature of the difference.

a meaningful difference

Implies the difference has importance and impact.

a substantial difference

Highlights the size or importance of the difference.

a major difference

Indicates the difference is large and important.

a considerable difference

Stresses the amount or degree of the difference.

a prominent difference

Emphasizes the visibility and ease of noticing the difference.

a distinct difference

Highlights the clear and unambiguous separation between the items being compared.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant difference" to highlight a notable contrast. For example, "There's "a significant difference" in the cost of living between New York and a small town."

What are some alternatives to "a significant difference"?

Alternatives include "a notable difference", "a substantial difference", or "a marked difference", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a significant difference" and "a considerable difference"?

While both indicate a notable contrast, "a significant difference" often implies that the difference is important or impactful, whereas "a considerable difference" simply suggests that the difference is large in amount or degree.

How do you determine if a difference is truly "a significant difference"?

The significance of a difference often depends on the context and the criteria being used. In statistics, it might refer to statistical significance. In other contexts, it implies that the difference has practical importance or real-world implications.