by a wide difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a wide difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a significant disparity or distinction between two or more things. Example: "The two proposals were evaluated, and it was clear that one was superior by a wide difference."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is because as the purchasing power of the country's currency depreciates (evident by a wide difference between the dollar rate 5 years ago, US$1=128.11, and now, US$1=161.11) with time, the cost of goods and services, including that of hospital services, increases.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There was a wide difference in outcome for patients admitted to different ICU's by using risk adjustment methods.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

We noted a wide difference in FRI rates by classrooms, with more than 10-fold difference in rates between the 5th and 95th percentile (5 vs 58 episodes per 100 children).

BMC Infectious Diseases

A recent review also highlighted a wide difference in recommended tooth brushing methods by dental associations, professionals, companies and texts [ 37].

BMC Oral Health

The phenomenon of a wide difference in party preferences and political attitudes by gender stemmed from the rise of the Baby Boomer Generation in the late 1960s.

Huffington Post

There seems to be a wide difference of opinion on this subject.

Los Angeles Times

If we had more complete information on medical indications for cesarean section and if the distribution of the missing medical indications on cesarean section varied by payer, we would expect a wider difference between the Medicaid and private insurance CBSA risk-adjusted cesarean rate than was observed.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

We also compared the number of CENP-A-associated sequence tags of #BM23 cells with that of Z#3 by a genome-wide difference analysis and confirmed that a CENP-A-enriched CENP-A-enriched CENP-A-enrichedtregion, while levels oformed-aroundchmentheell neocentromereinal centromere.

Developmental Cell

There is also a very wide difference in calories burnt between one person and another.

BBC

Several U.S. officials say that security cooperation has been hampered by patchy intelligence-sharing by Brussels and wide differences in the willingness of different agencies to work with foreign countries, even close allies.

Huffington Post

Directional selection for different means between populations of broadcast spawners could be driven by a wide variety of ecological differences, such as population density as a result of community structure.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by a wide difference" to emphasize a substantial disparity, making sure the context clearly establishes the items being compared. For example, "The test scores varied by a wide difference between the two groups, indicating the effectiveness of the new teaching method."

Common error

Avoid using "by a wide difference" when the difference is actually small or negligible. Misusing it can exaggerate the situation and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a wide difference" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent or degree of a difference. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to highlight significant disparities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by a wide difference" is a grammatically sound and usable expression used to emphasize a significant disparity or distinction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts, most frequently in science and news media. While suitable for formal writing, it's essential to use it accurately and avoid exaggeration. Alternatives such as "by a considerable margin" or "by a significant degree" offer similar emphasis. This phrase serves to highlight notable variances, drawing attention to substantial distinctions in a clear and concise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by a considerable margin

Replaces "wide difference" with "considerable margin", emphasizing the extent of the difference.

by a significant degree

Substitutes "wide difference" with "significant degree", focusing on the importance of the distinction.

by a substantial amount

Replaces "wide difference" with "substantial amount", quantifying the difference.

by a marked contrast

Uses "marked contrast" instead of "wide difference", highlighting the distinctness of the difference.

by a noticeable disparity

Replaces "wide difference" with "noticeable disparity", indicating an easily observable difference.

by a clear distinction

Emphasizes the clarity of the difference, rather than the magnitude.

by a vast gulf

Uses metaphorical language to describe a large difference.

by a long shot

An idiomatic expression indicating a considerable difference in likelihood or degree.

by leaps and bounds

Expresses a large degree of progress or difference.

by a country mile

An informal idiom indicating a very large margin or difference.

FAQs

How can I use "by a wide difference" in a sentence?

Use "by a wide difference" to emphasize a significant gap or disparity between two or more things. For instance, "The cost of living in New York City differs by a wide difference compared to smaller towns".

What are some alternatives to "by a wide difference"?

You can use alternatives like "by a considerable margin", "by a significant degree", or "by a substantial amount" to express a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "by a wide difference" in formal writing?

Yes, "by a wide difference" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure the context clearly warrants emphasizing a notable disparity. Using stronger alternatives like "by a considerable margin" may be preferable in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "by a wide difference" and "by a narrow margin"?

"By a wide difference" indicates a large disparity, while "by a narrow margin" suggests a small difference or close outcome. The phrases are antonyms, conveying opposite degrees of distinction.