difference between

USAGE SUMMARY

"difference between" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
For example, "One of the biggest differences between a laptop and a desktop PC is the size."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's no difference between them.

The New York Times

The difference between a triolet.

The New Yorker

Jeter noted the difference between the two.

The New York Times - Sports

What is the difference between the two?

The New York Times

The difference between prefabs and modules explained.

The New Yorker

The main difference between the men?

The New York Times

But there is a difference between them.

The Economist

There was little difference between the devices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Difference between the bears and the bulls.

The New Yorker

"The difference between us and them?

The New York Times

Big difference between comparing and reminding.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difference between", ensure you clearly identify the items being compared to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "difference between" when comparing more than two items; use "difference among" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difference between" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a comparison or distinction between two specific entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard construction in English used to inquire about or highlight dissimilarities. The examples in Ludwig showcase its versatility across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difference between" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for comparing two distinct entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the numerous examples highlight its versatility across various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While "difference between" is generally neutral in tone, it is important to remember that you must use "difference among" if you are comparing more than two entities. Some useful alternatives for "difference between" are "distinction between" and "contrast between", which you can use to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinction between

Focuses on a clear point of unlikeness.

contrast between

Highlights the noticeable dissimilarities when comparing.

comparison between

A broad way to refer to pointing out differences.

comparison of

Implies a detailed analysis of similarities and differences.

dissimilarity between

This alternative phrase focuses only on what is not similar.

variance between

Emphasizes the degree or rate of deviation.

disparity between

Suggests a significant inequality or difference.

the gap between

This alternative focuses on a significant difference or lack of connection.

relationship between

Highlights the way in which two or more things are connected.

correlation between

Suggests a mutual relationship or connection.

FAQs

How to use "difference between" in a sentence?

You can use "difference between" to compare two distinct entities, like in the sentence, "What's the difference between knowledge and wisdom?"

What can I say instead of "difference between"?

You can use alternatives like "distinction between", "contrast between", or "comparison of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "difference between" or "difference among"?

"Difference between" is used when comparing two items, while "difference among" is used when comparing three or more items.

What's the difference between "difference between" and "similarities between"?

"Difference between" highlights dissimilar aspects, whereas "similarities between" points out shared characteristics.