by calculating the difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by calculating the difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining a method or process that involves finding the difference between two values or quantities. Example: "You can determine the final score by calculating the difference between the two teams' points."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the mathematical calculation revascularization status was defined by calculating the difference between the number of diseased vessels and the number of vessels grafted.

BioMed Research International

Our calculations take this into account because discrimination is calculated by calculating the difference of two proportions (see above equation).

CBE Life Sciences Education

Bad singing could be adjusted for by calculating the difference in pitch and intervals between adjacent notes.

The New York Times

The earnings were derived by calculating the difference between the company's first-half and full-year figures.

The New York Times

The Bi-cell signal is processed by calculating the difference between its two units, normalized to their sum.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Phonological working memory changes were indexed by calculating the difference between T2 and T1 performance in the auditory-phonological working memory tasks.

Nature

Cross-sensory attentional shifting changes were indexed by calculating the difference between the cost reduction (T1 − T2 costs) in the visual-to-auditory vs. auditory-to-visual condition.

Nature

A functional lateralisation map was computed for each term by calculating the difference between hemispheres for each pair of homologous voxels.

Nature

By calculating the difference between the x-ray diffraction patterns and applying a mathematical formula, a computer-generated image of the protein structure emerges.

MIT Technology Review

We estimated the strength of neural entrainment to an endogenous beat by calculating the difference between the amplitude of beat-related SSEPs for the syncopated and unsyncopated rhythms.

Nature

Visuo-spatial attention changes were indexed by calculating the difference between the improvements (T2 − T1 rate accuracy) in focused vs. distributed condition.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by calculating the difference", ensure that the units of measurement for the values being compared are consistent to avoid misinterpretations. For example, calculate the difference between two temperatures in Celsius, not Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Common error

Be careful not to assume that "by calculating the difference" demonstrates a cause-and-effect relationship. While it can show a disparity or change, further analysis is usually needed to determine causality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by calculating the difference" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the method by which an action is performed or a result is obtained. Ludwig AI examples show its use in explaining various computations and comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by calculating the difference" is a versatile phrase used to describe the process of finding the numerical difference between two values. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly used in scientific, academic, and news contexts. While generally formal, its purpose is always to explain a method of quantification. When using this phrase, be mindful of providing context and specifying units for clarity. Consider alternatives like "by determining the disparity" or "by computing the variance" to add variety to your writing. Remember, while useful for showing a change, calculating the difference does not always imply causality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by determining the disparity

Emphasizes the act of finding a clear difference or inequality.

by computing the variance

Focuses on the statistical calculation of the spread between data points.

by measuring the divergence

Highlights the act of quantifying how much something deviates from a norm or standard.

by assessing the margin

Suggests evaluating the space or degree by which something exceeds or falls short.

by finding the differential

Focuses on identifying the change or rate of change between two values or states.

by deriving the delta

Uses a specific term often used in mathematics and finance to denote change.

by obtaining the contrast

Highlights the act of getting the distinct difference between two things.

by ascertaining the gap

Emphasizes the process of making certain the amount of space or lack of connection between two things.

by evaluating the distinction

Highlights the act of carefully judging the notable difference between two or more things.

by estimating the deviation

Focuses on approximating the extent to which something differs from a standard or expected value.

FAQs

How can I use "by calculating the difference" in a sentence?

You can use "by calculating the difference" to explain a method or process, such as "We determined the profit margin "by calculating the difference" between revenue and expenses."

What are some alternatives to "by calculating the difference"?

Alternatives include phrases like "by determining the disparity", "by computing the variance", or "by measuring the divergence", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify units when "by calculating the difference"?

Yes, it's important to specify the units when reporting results obtained "by calculating the difference" to ensure clarity and avoid confusion, particularly in scientific or technical contexts.

Can "by calculating the difference" be used in non-numerical contexts?

While primarily used in numerical contexts, "by calculating the difference" can metaphorically apply to non-numerical comparisons, such as assessing the difference in opinions or approaches "by assessing the margin" in qualitative terms.