a vast difference

USAGE SUMMARY

"a vast difference" is a commonly used, correct phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a great disparity between two objects or ideas, such as "There is a vast difference between the cost of an apartment in Los Angeles and the cost of an apartment in Washington, D.C."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CSPnl can exhibit distinct failure modes under different test board and/or CSPnl designs, resulting in a vast difference in drop test lifetimes.

Microelectronics Reliability

There's a vast difference.

The New York Times - Books

There is a vast difference between perfect and abysmal.

The New York Times

"This isn't a subtle difference; it's a vast difference".

The New York Times

Should there be such a vast difference between faith and church?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She is Christian, we are Muslim, and there is a vast difference between the two.

The Guardian

Taken on their own, these initiatives may not make a vast difference.

The Guardian

In political terms, there is a vast difference between the two approaches.

The New York Times

There's a vast difference between cursing simply for emphasis and cursing at someone.

The New York Times

In this respect, the ice bucket challenge has already undoubtedly made a vast difference.

The Guardian

There is a vast difference between a decline rate of 3.7%and6.7%7%.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast difference" to underscore a significant disparity that impacts the overall understanding or outcome of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a vast difference" when the actual difference is only marginal. Exaggerating the dissimilarity can undermine your credibility and dilute the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast difference" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It emphasizes the significant degree of dissimilarity between two or more entities, ideas, or situations. Ludwig provides many examples to support this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast difference" is a commonly used phrase to emphasize a substantial dissimilarity. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and general writing. While "a vast difference" is suitable for various contexts, its impact is greatest when the differences are clearly defined and significant. Be mindful not to overstate the dissimilarity to maintain credibility. When a more nuanced description is necessary, alternatives like "a significant disparity" or "a considerable distinction" may be more appropriate.

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 distinction

Highlights a noteworthy point of divergence or unlikeness.

a marked contrast

Focuses on the observable and clear differences between two things.

a world of difference

Implies an extensive and all-encompassing dissimilarity.

a major divergence

Indicates a splitting or branching out in different directions or opinions.

a profound gap

Stresses the depth and importance of the separation between two things.

a substantial variation

Highlights differences in quantity, degree, or extent.

a radical departure

Suggests a complete abandonment of previous ideas or methods.

night and day

Uses a common idiom to represent extreme opposition.

poles apart

Uses a spatial metaphor to show opposing nature of two things.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vast difference" to emphasize a significant distinction between two things, such as "There is "a vast difference between" the cost of living in rural and urban areas".

What are some alternatives to "a vast difference"?

Some alternatives include "a significant disparity", "a considerable distinction", or "a marked contrast", each highlighting different aspects of the dissimilarity.

Is it always necessary to quantify "a vast difference"?

While quantifying the difference isn't always necessary, providing specific examples or details can help illustrate the magnitude of the dissimilarity and make your point more compelling.

What's the difference between "a vast difference" and "a big difference"?

"A vast difference" implies a greater degree of dissimilarity than "a big difference". "Vast" suggests an immense or extensive distinction, while "big" simply indicates a considerable one.