a tangible difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tangible difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a noticeable or measurable change or effect in a situation or outcome. Example: "After implementing the new policy, we noticed a tangible difference in employee productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(PCT, director) As a result of these missing elements, interviewees expressed frustration that they were not able to judge if the different policies and programmes in HWHL had made a tangible difference to obesity prevalence in England.

BMC Public Health

It makes a tangible difference.

The New York Times

"There is already a tangible difference in the feeling on the floor," he said.

The New York Times

Yet Europe appears unlikely to pony up enough forces to make a tangible difference there.

The Guardian - Opinion

This work is about art making a tangible difference to a wider society.

The Guardian - Arts

The fetish for 180g "heavyweight" vinyl doesn't make a "tangible difference" to the sound, Bidder says.

Independent

People will want to see how their contribution is making a tangible difference to the world, Gurel-Atay predicts.

The Guardian

Despite the compromises the Liberal Democrats have had to make in government, our action has made a tangible difference.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's also a tangible difference between the industry-led first half of the festival and the film-fan second.

The Guardian - Travel

Schools can make a tangible difference in closing achievement gaps, but only with inspired teaching and an innovative curriculum, which headteachers must lead.

The Guardian

A BBC spokesperson said: "We have recently set out far-reaching plans, with a variety of approaches, that we believe will make a tangible difference".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tangible difference" when you want to emphasize that a change or effect is not just theoretical but can be clearly observed or measured. It adds weight to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a tangible difference" to describe emotional or abstract changes. "Tangible" implies something that can be perceived through the senses or measured objectively. Instead, use terms like "noticeable" or "significant" for intangible concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tangible difference" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a difference that is real and perceptible, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tangible difference" is a frequently used noun phrase signifying a clear and observable change or effect. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various domains, particularly News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, ensure that you are describing something real and perceptible when using this phrase. Alternatives like ""a noticeable difference"" or ""a measurable effect"" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. Remember that "tangible" implies something that can be perceived through the senses or measured objectively, as using it otherwise could lead to errors in word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a noticeable difference

Focuses on the ease of observing the difference.

a significant impact

Emphasizes the importance and scale of the effect.

a measurable effect

Highlights the quantifiable aspect of the change.

a real improvement

Specifically suggests a positive change or advancement.

a clear advantage

Indicates a distinct and beneficial outcome.

a distinct contrast

Emphasizes the noticeable dissimilarity between two things.

a palpable change

Highlights that the change is easily sensed or felt.

a visible alteration

Focuses on the observable aspect of the transformation.

a substantial shift

Emphasizes the large-scale nature of the change.

a concrete result

Highlights the real and definite outcome of an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tangible difference" to describe a change or effect that is clearly noticeable or measurable. For example, "The new policies made "a tangible difference" in employee morale."

What's the difference between "a tangible difference" and "a significant difference"?

"A tangible difference" implies that the change is observable or measurable, while "a significant difference" simply means the change is important or noteworthy. You can use "a significant difference" even when the change is abstract or intangible.

What are some alternatives to saying "a tangible difference"?

You can use alternatives like "a noticeable difference", "a measurable effect", or "a real improvement" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a tangible difference"?

No, ensure that the difference you're describing is something that can be objectively observed or measured. Avoid using it for subjective feelings or abstract concepts where "tangible" wouldn't apply.