a worthwhile difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worthwhile difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a change or distinction that has significant value or importance in a particular context. Example: "The new policy has created a worthwhile difference in employee satisfaction and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"You see what players are available and the challenge is always the same - getting a good player or someone who you think will be available for long enough to make a worthwhile difference".

BBC

Therefore, after a consensus discussion with the OTs delivering the trial interventions, we estimated a worthwhile difference between groups to be 20%.

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In this context of a higher rate of biopsy or monitoring, the clinically worthwhile difference was altered to a 15% difference (an odds ratio of 1.8) from 45% to 60%.

BMC Family Practice

However, the MCID only provides an estimate of the minimum worthwhile difference and does not describe in what nature the health status has changed [ 7].

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

A relatively conservative value was used for the smallest worthwhile difference (ie, 0.5 rather than the standard 0.2 27) because the relationships between changes in sleep and changes in sports performance are not yet well quantified.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

In addition to the initially proposed 'minimum important difference', this also included 'smallest worthwhile change' and 'smallest worthwhile difference'.

Sports Medicine - Open

For these analyses, the hypothesised difference, that is, the smallest worthwhile difference, was calculated as 0.5×the between-subject SD.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Future cryopreservation studies should be adequately powered to detect clinically worthwhile differences in cumulative live birth.

Human Reproduction

Rather, because studies lack the necessary power to detect real, and clinically worthwhile, differences in treatment, that we should not interpret or conclude that this is necessarily evidence of no effect.

BMC Geriatrics

Unfortunately, as with everything else, knowing what to look for and what not to look for can make the difference between a worthwhile and a worthless policy.

Forbes

While collaborative planning theory provides a worthwhile ideal, the assumptions of bracketing status difference, identifying common good and building consensus, problematize its application in real life.

Cities

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a worthwhile difference", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the difference valuable or significant. Be specific about the benefits or positive outcomes resulting from the distinction.

Common error

Avoid using "a worthwhile difference" without specifying why the difference is important. Readers need to understand the value or benefit derived from the distinction; otherwise, the phrase lacks impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worthwhile difference" functions as a noun phrase, where "worthwhile" is an adjective modifying the noun "difference". It identifies a distinction that is valuable or significant. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a worthwhile difference" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that highlights a distinction with positive value or significant impact. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears across various contexts, including science, news media, and formal business communications. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly explains why the difference is worthwhile. Alternatives include "a significant distinction", "a meaningful variation", and "a valuable distinction". Always aim to provide sufficient context so readers understand the benefits associated with this distinction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant distinction

Emphasizes the notability and importance of the difference.

a meaningful variation

Highlights that the difference has relevance and importance.

a valuable distinction

Focuses on the usefulness or benefit provided by the difference.

a considerable disparity

Indicates that the difference is substantial and noticeable.

a notable divergence

Stresses the point at which things begin to differ or separate.

an important contrast

Highlights the significance of the opposition between two things.

a beneficial change

Emphasizes the positive impact of the change or difference.

a productive alteration

Focuses on the improvement brought about by the difference.

a substantive modification

Indicates that the change is significant in terms of its content or effect.

a tangible impact

Highlights that the effect of the difference is clear and perceptible.

FAQs

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

You can use "a worthwhile difference" to describe a change or distinction that has a significant positive impact. For example, "The new policy made "a worthwhile difference" in employee morale".

What can I say instead of "a worthwhile difference"?

Alternatives include "a significant distinction", "a meaningful variation", or "a valuable distinction" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a difference is worthwhile"?

Yes, saying "a difference is worthwhile" is grammatically correct and conveys that the difference is valuable or important.

What is the difference between "a worthwhile difference" and "a noticeable difference"?

"A worthwhile difference" emphasizes the positive value or benefit of the distinction, while "a noticeable difference" simply means the difference is easily observed, regardless of its value.