big discrepancy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big discrepancy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant difference or inconsistency between two or more things, such as data, reports, or expectations. Example: "There was a big discrepancy between the sales figures reported by the marketing team and the actual sales data from the finance department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That is a big discrepancy.

The Guardian

The big discrepancy between Barber and Alexander was in touchdowns.

The New York Times

But there is a big discrepancy between how celebrity shows perform online versus on television.

The New York Times

That is a big discrepancy and more than an accounting exercise.

The New York Times

"So there's a big discrepancy — a clash — and the brain doesn't like discrepancies," Ramachandran said.

The New Yorker

There is, to put it mildly, a big discrepancy between these nations.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a big discrepancy between that line and the offensive line of Georgia.

The New York Times

While a big discrepancy was found between experimental results and Miner's rule prediction in the (H L) loading sequence.

International Journal of Fatigue

Effective screening is clearly vital, so why is there such a big discrepancy in prevention strategies, even within Europe?

The Guardian

"There is a big discrepancy between what North Korea expects and what China will do," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Big discrepancies in pay across companies are common.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "big discrepancy", be specific about what is being compared and the units of measurement involved. For instance, "There's a "big discrepancy" in the reported revenue versus the actual profit margin."

Common error

Avoid using "big discrepancy" without providing context. Clearly state the elements being compared. Instead of saying, "There's a "big discrepancy"", specify: "There's a "big discrepancy" between projected sales and actual sales."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big discrepancy" functions as a noun phrase where "big" modifies "discrepancy". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly usable in written English. The examples in Ludwig show its use to point out notable differences or inconsistencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big discrepancy" is a common and grammatically sound way to point out a significant difference or inconsistency. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It is frequently found in news, science, and academic contexts, signaling its acceptability across various professional registers. While alternatives like "significant difference" or "substantial inconsistency" exist, the choice often depends on stylistic preference. Remember to provide clear context when using this phrase to ensure your audience understands what's being compared. The high frequency of this phrase across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and usefulness in clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant difference

Focuses on the magnitude of the difference between two or more things.

substantial inconsistency

Emphasizes the lack of agreement or compatibility between facts or claims.

marked divergence

Highlights the act of moving in different directions or separating from a common point.

noticeable gap

Draws attention to a space or interval between two points or values.

pronounced variation

Stresses the distinctiveness and clarity of the difference.

considerable disparity

Underscores the inequality or unfairness implied by the difference.

major conflict

Highlights a serious disagreement or opposition of ideas.

glaring contradiction

Emphasizes the obvious and irreconcilable nature of the difference.

striking contrast

Focuses on the sharp and easily noticeable differences.

palpable incongruity

Emphasizes that something is so obvious that you can feel it.

FAQs

How to use "big discrepancy" in a sentence?

Use "big discrepancy" to highlight a notable difference between two or more things. For example: "There is a "big discrepancy" between the estimated budget and the actual expenses."

What can I say instead of "big discrepancy"?

You can use alternatives like "significant difference", "substantial inconsistency", or "marked divergence" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "big discrepancy" or "large discrepancy"?

Both "big discrepancy" and "large discrepancy" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference, though "big discrepancy" might sound slightly more informal.

What's the difference between "big discrepancy" and "slight difference"?

"Big discrepancy" indicates a significant and noticeable difference, whereas "slight difference" refers to a small and often negligible variation.