a useful difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing distinctions that have practical significance or benefits in a particular context. Example: "Understanding the difference between these two methods can lead to a more efficient workflow; it's truly a useful difference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But such technologies can make a useful difference if the right economic incentives are in place.

The New York Times

Immigration in the developed world is the highest it has ever been, and it is making a useful difference.

The Economist

But Warren Buffett's gift to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will make a useful difference to the fight against disease in poor countries.

The Economist

This last is a mistake, since VAT changes, not necessarily across the board, could make a useful difference to tax receipts, and thus to deficit reduction in the short term, and then be handily lifted as the next election nears.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, at this point, I would not assert strongly an argument that the trip will, in fact, either make a useful difference to internal Palestinian or Palestinian-Israeli relations, or to Syrian or Iranian government capacity.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The SalI digestion showed a potentially useful difference in one isolate 00-035 thad han approximatelyely 3.0 kbp fragment instead of a 2.6 kbp fragment in the other strains.

Veterinary Microbiology

The primary intention-to-treat analysis will appropriately evaluate rapidity of parasite clearance and associated health economic benefits; however, secondary analyses may not show a clinically useful difference in treatment failure at 42 days in the absence of known resistance to the study drugs.

BMJ Open

There is a nice and useful difference, too, between the countertenors, David Daniels and Brian Asawa.

The New York Times - Arts

In this work, tri-, penta- and hexanucleotide ZOMs are included additionally to see how they compare against the more popular measures and whether they have any useful differences.

BMC Genomics

By allowing all molecules to pass only from A to B, an even more readily useful difference in pressure would be created between the two vessels.

Britannica

There is, however, an important and very useful difference: Even if internet professionals have only just started coming to help government, foreign aid has been around at least since the Marshall Plan that helped rebuild Europe in the 1940s and 1950s.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a useful difference", ensure the context clearly explains why the difference is useful. Be specific about the benefits or advantages it provides.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of a difference. If the difference is trivial or has minimal impact, using stronger terms like "significant" or "valuable" can be misleading. Be truthful and accurate in explaining just how useful that difference is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful difference" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a distinction that has practical value or benefit. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate how this phrase is used to denote differences that contribute positively to a particular outcome or understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a useful difference" is grammatically correct and identifies a distinction that has practical value. It appears in various contexts, including news, science, and academia, highlighting its versatility. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that its primary function is to emphasize the tangible benefits derived from recognizing a specific distinction. While generally neutral in register, its impact is maximized when the context clearly explains why the difference is useful. Related phrases like "a significant distinction" and "a valuable advantage" offer more formal alternatives. Overall, "a useful difference" serves as a concise way to communicate that a particular distinction leads to a positive and practical outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valuable distinction

Highlights the worth or merit of recognizing the difference.

an advantageous difference

Highlights the positive and favorable outcome of the difference.

a significant distinction

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of the difference.

a beneficial contrast

Highlights the positive outcome resulting from the difference.

a practical advantage

Focuses on the real-world benefits derived from the difference.

a helpful variation

Suggests the difference provides assistance or ease.

a meaningful divergence

Stresses the importance and depth of the difference.

a productive difference

Suggests the difference generates a positive result.

a strategic advantage

Focuses on the planned and beneficial outcome of the difference.

a worthwhile disparity

Indicates the difference is worth noting or considering.

FAQs

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

You can use "a useful difference" to highlight a beneficial distinction, such as: "Understanding the nuances of these marketing strategies made "a useful difference" in campaign performance."

What's a more formal alternative to "a useful difference"?

In a more formal setting, consider using "a significant distinction" or "a valuable advantage" instead of "a useful difference". These options convey a greater sense of importance and professionalism.

Is there a subtle difference in meaning between "a useful difference" and "an important difference"?

"An important difference" generally highlights the significance of the distinction itself, while "a useful difference" focuses on the practical benefits or advantages derived from recognizing that distinction.

When is it appropriate to use "a useful difference" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a useful difference" when you want to emphasize that recognizing or understanding a distinction leads to a tangible benefit or improvement. For example, "Implementing this new software created "a useful difference" in our productivity".