determines the difference between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determines the difference between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how one factor or element distinguishes or contrasts with another in a specific context. Example: "The study determines the difference between the two treatment methods and their effectiveness in patient recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Those minute differences in our genetic makeup are probably what determines the difference between whether you are Albert Einstein or not getting into college,'' he said.

The New Yorker

Dewey did not provide a thorough, systematic response to the question of how an instrumentalist determines the difference between good and evil.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ultimately, this is also what determines the difference between tragedy and comedy.

SEP

k is a factor that determines the difference between consecutive scales.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The extent to which the artist is capable of transcending his/her more or less involuntary particularities, i.e. the extent to which his/her unconscious choices seem to derive from a higher instance (consciously choosing the highest degree of excellence) determines the difference between style and mannerism.

SEP

That responsibility has often come with backlash, both from movie critics and filmmakers, over what determines the difference between a PG-13 and an R-rated movie.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It may come down to determining the difference between a fire extinguisher and a computer.

The New York Times

A linear regression model was used to determine the difference between conditions.

Nature

I experimented with teaching a machine to determine the difference between a cat and a dog.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The New Yorker, October 11 , 1982P. 35 Comment about the difficulty of determining the difference between truth and fiction on television.

The New Yorker

What if the managing agents make a mistake in determining the difference between what is eligible and what isn't?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determines the difference between", ensure that the factors being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "determines the difference between" when the contrast is already obvious. Instead, explore the subtle nuances that contribute to the distinction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determines the difference between" acts as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the action of distinguishing or identifying the contrast between two or more entities. Ludwig provides various examples showing its use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "determines the difference between" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the process of identifying distinctions. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility across diverse domains like science, news, and encyclopedic content. The phrase is generally suitable for neutral registers, making it appropriate for both academic and general communication. While often used, it is important to ensure clarity in defining the compared elements. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase correctly expresses the intention of differentiation and comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguishes between

Focuses on the act of recognizing or pointing out differences.

differentiates between

Highlights the process of identifying specific differences.

establishes a distinction between

Emphasizes creating a clear and recognized difference.

identifies the contrast between

Points out opposing or dissimilar features.

clarifies the disparity between

Underscores the lack of equality or similarity.

highlights the variance between

Calls attention to the degree of difference.

sets apart

Focuses on what makes something unique compared to another.

marks the separation between

Highlights the boundary or division.

indicates the divergence between

Shows a deviation or movement away from each other.

reveals the gap between

Exposes a significant difference or space.

FAQs

How can I use "determines the difference between" in a sentence?

Use "determines the difference between" to highlight the key factors that distinguish two or more entities or concepts. For example, "This analysis determines the difference between effective and ineffective strategies".

What phrases are similar to "determines the difference between"?

Alternatives include "distinguishes between", "differentiates between", or "establishes a distinction between", depending on the desired emphasis.

Is it better to use "determine the difference" or "determines the difference"?

The choice depends on the subject-verb agreement. Use "determine" with plural subjects (e.g., "They determine the difference"), and "determines" with singular subjects (e.g., "He determines the difference").

What's the nuance between "determines the difference between" and "identifies the difference between"?

"Determines the difference between" suggests a process of investigation and conclusion, while "identifies the difference between" simply points out a pre-existing difference. The former implies a deeper analysis.