big difference between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big difference between" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to compare two things or concepts and emphasize the significant contrast or disparity between them. Example: There is a big difference between the educational systems in Japan and the United States. While Japanese schools focus heavily on rote memorization, American schools place a greater emphasis on critical thinking and creativity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Big difference between comparing and reminding.

Independent

"There's no big difference between us".

The Economist

But there's a big difference between them.

The New York Times

That was the big difference between them".

The New York Times

There's a big difference between the two.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

One big difference between the projects?

The New York Times

There is a big difference between stereotypes and prototypes.

Harvard University

There's a big difference between art and craft.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There is another big difference between midazolam and barbiturates.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stephen Mear There's a big difference between ambitious and obnoxious.

The Guardian

They were the big difference between 2011 to 2015.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a formal audience, consider alternatives like "significant disparity between" or "notable contrast between" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "big difference between" when expressing personal preferences or opinions. Instead, use it to highlight objective contrasts that can be supported with evidence or data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big difference between" functions as a comparative phrase, highlighting the distinction between two or more entities. It is used to emphasize that the dissimilarity is significant and noteworthy, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "big difference between" is a grammatically sound and very commonly used expression to emphasize a notable contrast. As Ludwig AI confirms, it clearly conveys a substantial distinction between two or more items. While versatile, it is most frequently found in news and media. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "significant disparity between" may be preferred. Understanding when and how to use this phrase can enhance clarity and impact in both written and spoken communication. Be mindful of subjective opinions and ensure the differences you highlight are objectively verifiable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental difference between

Suggests that the difference affects the core nature or function of the things being compared.

clear-cut difference between

Adds emphasis to the clarity and obviousness of the difference.

marked distinction between

Employs "marked distinction" to indicate a clear and easily recognizable difference.

notable contrast between

Substitutes "big difference" with "notable contrast", emphasizing the act of comparison and highlighting distinct features.

striking contrast between

Similar to "notable contrast" but emphasizes the visual or sensory impact of the difference.

significant disparity between

Replaces "big difference" with a more formal term for disparity, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

profound gap between

Highlights the depth or significance of the difference, implying it is not merely superficial.

considerable variation between

Uses "considerable variation" to suggest differences in degree or amount, rather than absolute differences.

substantial divergence between

Offers a more formal alternative, implying a branching out or moving away from each other.

major deviation between

Indicates a departure from a norm or expected value.

FAQs

How can I use "big difference between" in a sentence?

The phrase "big difference between" is used to emphasize a significant contrast between two or more things. For example, "There's a "big difference between" knowledge and wisdom."

What can I say instead of "big difference between"?

You can use alternatives like "significant disparity between", "notable contrast between", or "marked distinction between" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "big difference between" and "slight difference between"?

"Big difference between" indicates a substantial and important distinction, while "slight difference between" suggests a minor or insignificant distinction.

Is it appropriate to use "big difference between" in formal writing?

While "big difference between" is grammatically correct, it may sound informal in certain contexts. For formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "fundamental difference between" or "substantial divergence between".