a widespread difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a widespread difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or common disparity between two or more things, such as opinions, conditions, or outcomes. Example: "There is a widespread difference in the quality of education between urban and rural areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

Brain Research

BMC Pediatrics

Carbon Balance and Management

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A widespread difference in grey matter volume was found across many brain regions, whereas cortical thinning was mainly restricted to central areas.

Brain Research

This finding is consistent with the findings of a multicentre study [ 19] which reported a widespread difference between countries in the prevalence of pacifier use ranging from 12.5% in Japan to 71% in the Ukraine.

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The picture that emerges is one of forests far from equilibrium, with both growth and mortality rates having risen and with a persistent and geographically very widespread difference between the two that implies a carbon sink into mature forests across the whole region.

Carbon Balance and Management

Even though AMP is able to sample only a small part of the genome, it was a good indicator of widespread differences in DNA methylation between WT and 2HA.

BMC Plant Biology

Many splicing regulators have tissue-specific expression patterns, resulting in widespread differences in AS patterns across different tissues.

BMC Genomics

From the entire GO-slim set of 148 terms, 39 biological process terms, 20 molecular function terms, and 29 cellular component terms were found to significantly differ between annotated transcriptomes suggesting widespread differences.

BMC Genomics

Consistent with a recent study (Coppola and Waggener, 2011), we identified widespread differences in gene expression after activity deprivation in WT mice, with 'olfactory detection' (ORs) identified as the most highly enriched gene ontology category among both up- and down-regulated genes.

eLife

It is important to note that different signatures may share common genes, yet show widespread differences at the same time.

Plosone

Such changes may simply cancel out on a global level as the evaluation of hemispheric, lobar, and regional metrics revealed widespread differences across groups.

Cerebral Cortex

An international observational study led by Columbia University researchers has uncovered widespread differences in the treatment of patients with common chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and depression.

Columbia University

At the level of isoform characterization, we discovered widespread differences in the use of tandem alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites by methylated and nonmethylated transcript isoforms of individual genes.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a widespread difference" to highlight significant and commonly observed disparities between groups, regions, or conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "a widespread difference" to describe minor or insignificant variations. This phrase is best reserved for differences that have broad implications or effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widespread difference" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a notable disparity or variation that is prevalent across a specific context. It highlights a substantial and commonly observed distinction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a widespread difference" is a phrase used to describe a notable and common disparity across a specific scope. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, typically neutral to formal, spanning from scientific research to news reporting. While this phrase is relatively rare, it effectively highlights significant distinctions. Consider alternatives like "a common disparity" or "a prevalent distinction" for similar emphasis with slightly different nuances. It's crucial to use this phrase when the difference is truly broad and impactful, avoiding overuse for minor variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common disparity

Replaces "widespread difference" with synonyms that emphasize a noticeable inequality or variation that is commonly observed.

a prevalent distinction

Uses "prevalent" and "distinction" to highlight that the difference is both common and significant.

a general divergence

Emphasizes the act of splitting off or differing, suggesting a more formal or abstract difference.

a broad discrepancy

Highlights a lack of compatibility or similarity that is extensive.

a marked variation

Indicates a noticeable change or difference that is quite apparent.

a sweeping contrast

Implies that the difference is large-scale and affects many things.

a global divide

Suggests a major separation or disagreement that affects a large population or area.

a universal inconsistency

Highlights that the difference is not just common but exists everywhere.

an extensive gap

Focuses on the space or degree of separation between two things.

a comprehensive divergence

Emphasizes that the difference includes many aspects or elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a widespread difference" to describe significant disparities. For example, "There is "a widespread difference" in access to healthcare between urban and rural communities".

What's a good alternative to "a widespread difference"?

Alternatives include "a common disparity", "a prevalent distinction", or "a general divergence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "widespread differences" or "a widespread difference"?

The choice depends on context. "Widespread differences" refers to multiple disparities, while "a widespread difference" highlights a single, significant disparity that is broadly present.

What kind of differences are suitable for describing as "widespread"?

Differences that affect a large area, many people, or have significant implications are appropriately described as "widespread". For instance, socioeconomic disparities or variations in healthcare access.