a substantial difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant or meaningful distinction between two or more things. Example: "There is a substantial difference in the quality of the two products, which justifies the higher price of the premium option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a substantial difference between the two".

The New York Times

Moving can mean a substantial difference.

The New York Times

Their decisions make a substantial difference in the art's value.

The New York Times

For each parameter, there was a substantial difference between the sexes.

The New Yorker

Yet students of Whitehall observe a substantial difference between what Thatcher said and Blair has done.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there was a substantial difference between those days and these.

The Guardian

The development "will make a substantial difference to the shortfall in London," he added.

The Guardian - Business

So far, nothing has made a substantial difference in Casey's behavior.

The New York Times - Health

A substantial difference, though, between Lethal Weapon and Iron Man is the tone and the language.

The Guardian - Film

Choosing the right defense attorney can make a substantial difference in the result of your case.

Cornell University

The matter, however, is not one of first impression, and that fact makes a substantial difference.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial difference" when you want to highlight a noteworthy and impactful distinction, ensuring that the difference is significant enough to warrant attention.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial difference" for trivial distinctions. Ensure the difference you're describing is genuinely significant and not merely a superficial variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial difference" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It is used to identify and emphasize a notable distinction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial difference" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize significant distinctions. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely employed across varied contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure the difference you're highlighting is truly significant to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives like "a significant disparity" or "a considerable variation" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant disparity

Emphasizes the inequality or imbalance between two things.

a considerable variation

Highlights the extent of change or deviation between items.

a marked contrast

Focuses on the noticeable dissimilarity between two things.

a notable distinction

Draws attention to a clear and important difference.

a pronounced divergence

Suggests a clear and developing separation or difference.

an appreciable gap

Indicates a measurable and meaningful space or difference.

a major deviation

Emphasizes a significant departure from a norm or standard.

a radical alteration

Highlights a fundamental or extreme change.

a fundamental shift

Focuses on a deep, underlying change in something.

a transformative impact

Highlights the capacity to cause a major change in someone or something

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial difference" to highlight a noteworthy and impactful distinction, for example: "There is "a substantial difference" between the two approaches in terms of efficiency."

What phrases can I use instead of "a substantial difference"?

Alternatives include "a significant disparity", "a considerable variation", or "a marked contrast", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a substantial difference"?

Use "a substantial difference" when you want to emphasize that the contrast or variation between two or more things is significant enough to have a noticeable impact or effect.

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

While both phrases indicate importance, "a substantial difference" often implies a greater degree of impact or magnitude than "a significant difference". The choice depends on the specific context and the emphasis you wish to place on the distinction.