a vast discrepancy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast discrepancy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant difference or inconsistency between two or more things. Example: "The audit revealed a vast discrepancy between the reported earnings and the actual financial records."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The explanation lies in a vast discrepancy between the number of permits issued in recent years and the amount of available parking space.

The New York Times

Of these, available databases of known compounds capture in the tens of millions of structures [4], revealing a vast discrepancy between what has been synthesised/characterised and the compounds we think could be made.

Chemistry Central Journal

There's a vast discrepancy between great salespeople (who sell 20+ cars a month) and bad salespeople (who might struggle to sell 8 cars in a month).

Huffington Post

Moreover there is a vast discrepancy related to sequence length in this class of sequences.

BMC Genomics

However, there is a vast discrepancy in the interpretation of the synergistic results.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Such a vast discrepancy introduces a mechanically distorted microenvironment to surrounding neurons, influencing cell behavior (development, outgrowth, migration, etc).

ACS Nano

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

To mask this vast discrepancy between a less than terrifying reality and the well cultivated images of a monstrous enemy, our leaders have reverted to systematic dissembling.

Huffington Post

The kind of democratic socialism Sanders sees as a positive course for America would be an attempt to grapple with the vast discrepancy between wealthy and poor in the country, which fleshes itself out in so many tangible ways: education, access to medical care, incarceration rates, and more.

Huffington Post

There is a vast income discrepancy between the few gaudy rich and the many poor, still living in makeshift slums, displaced by years of war.

The New York Times

Interestingly, the main source of the vast discrepancy between the two figures is not a disagreement about the future damages of warming.

The New York Times

Industry analysts say the vast discrepancy in taxes on cigarettes in Europe makes the Continent an easy target for smugglers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vast discrepancy", ensure that the context clearly establishes what two elements are being compared and why their difference is significant. For example, "There is "a vast discrepancy" between the projected budget and actual spending."

Common error

Avoid using "a vast discrepancy" to describe differences in subjective opinions or preferences, which are inherently difficult to quantify. Use it instead to talk about measurable or factual inconsistencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast discrepancy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it denotes a significant difference or inconsistency between two or more things that are being compared.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast discrepancy" is a grammatically sound phrase used to highlight a significant difference between two comparable elements. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and offers various examples across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic entries. While not exceptionally common, its usage is consistent and appropriate. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and is suitable for neutral to formal registers, making it valuable in clear and descriptive writing. Consider using related phrases such as "a significant difference", "a large gap", or "a major inconsistency" based on the nuances you wish to convey. Ensure that when you use it, you're comparing measurable and factual concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant difference

Emphasizes the notability of the difference, but may not convey the same sense of scale as "vast".

a pronounced difference

Similar to "significant difference" but highlights how clearly the difference manifests itself.

a major inconsistency

Highlights the lack of agreement or coherence, but might not imply a substantial difference in magnitude.

a large gap

Focuses on the distance or space between two things, rather than the inconsistency itself.

a substantial variation

Points to a difference in degree or amount, but lacks the implication of error or conflict that "discrepancy" sometimes carries.

a considerable disparity

Indicates inequality or difference, often in status or level, rather than a factual inconsistency.

a marked contrast

Stresses the opposition or dissimilarity between two things, without necessarily indicating an error or unexpected difference.

a wide divergence

Focuses on the act of moving in different directions, suggesting a gradual separation rather than an initial mismatch.

a striking imbalance

Suggests that the discrepancy creates an unfair or undesirable status.

a yawning chasm

Figuratively, suggests a large and seemingly unbridgeable divide. It's more metaphorical.

FAQs

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

Use "a vast discrepancy" to highlight a significant and often unexpected difference between two things. For example: "The study revealed "a vast discrepancy" between the reported data and the actual findings."

What phrases are similar to "a vast discrepancy"?

Similar phrases include "a significant difference", "a large gap", or "a major inconsistency". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a large discrepancy" or "a vast discrepancy"?

"A vast discrepancy" emphasizes a greater degree of difference than "a large discrepancy". Choose "vast" when the difference is particularly striking or extensive.

What is the difference between "a discrepancy" and "a vast discrepancy"?

While "a discrepancy" simply indicates a difference or inconsistency, "a vast discrepancy" emphasizes that the difference is substantial, significant, and often surprising in its magnitude.