a significant difference in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant difference in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing variations or contrasts between two or more subjects, particularly in research or analytical contexts. Example: "The study revealed a significant difference in the test scores between the two groups."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We find a significant difference in views.

Tourism Management

Ripken has made a significant difference in major league baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

It can make a significant difference in some races".

The Guardian

This subtle distinction could make a significant difference in court.

Harvard University

One change has made a significant difference in Britain.

The Guardian - Business

Citizen Corps is making a significant difference in our country.

The Washington Post

The results show a significant difference in combustion wave models.

Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China

It highlights a significant difference in terms of various substituents.

Journal of Molecular Structure

Mayor Street has encouraged faith-based and community organizations to make a significant difference in Philadelphia.

The New York Times

Chan praised the Cuban response, which she said, would make a significant difference in Sierra Leone.

The Guardian

The $25,000 we would pay would make a significant difference in their lives.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant difference in", ensure you clearly articulate what is being compared and why the difference matters. Providing context enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant difference in" when the variation is minimal or inconsequential. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant difference in" functions as a noun phrase, indicating a notable disparity between two or more entities. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples illustrating its use in academic research, news reports, and general discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

39%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a significant difference in" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for highlighting notable disparities. Ludwig shows it appears commonly in scientific, news, and academic sources, indicating its versatility and widespread acceptance. While generally neutral in tone, its use should be reserved for meaningful variations to maintain impact. Remember to provide context when using this phrase, clearly specifying the items being compared and the relevance of their differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial difference in

Emphasizes the largeness or importance of the difference.

a considerable difference in

Highlights the noteworthiness of the variation.

a marked difference in

Stresses the obviousness or ease of noticing the difference.

a noticeable difference in

Focuses on the ease with which the difference can be observed.

a distinct difference in

Indicates a clear and unambiguous variation.

a palpable difference in

Emphasizes a difference that can be easily felt or perceived.

a striking difference in

Highlights how surprising or attention-grabbing the difference is.

a fundamental difference in

Emphasizes a difference that affects the core nature of something.

a material difference in

Highlights a difference that is consequential or important.

a crucial difference in

Stresses the critical importance of the variation.

FAQs

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

Use "a significant difference in" to highlight an important distinction between two or more things. For example, "There was a significant difference in the test results between the two groups".

What are some alternatives to "a significant difference in"?

You can use alternatives like "a substantial difference in", "a considerable difference in", or "a noticeable difference in" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to quantify "a significant difference in"?

While not always required, quantifying the difference (e.g., with percentages or numerical values) can strengthen your argument and provide more concrete evidence of the significance.

What is the difference between "a significant difference in" and "a slight difference in"?

"A significant difference in" emphasizes a noteworthy distinction, while "a slight difference in" indicates a minor or unimportant variation.