difference in kind

USAGE SUMMARY

"difference in kind" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a distinction between two different types or categories of things, for example: "There is a clear difference in kind between a traditional classroom and an online learning environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The temporal parts theorist could follow the constitution theorist in claiming that the relevant objects differ in kind, for example, in virtue of their historical properties or he could simply insist that the difference in kind is grounded in the fact that the two objects have different temporal parts.

SEP

It's a difference in kind.

The New York Times

It's a difference in degree, not a difference in kind.

Stanford University

He flooded, and in that difference of degree is a difference in kind.

The New Yorker

"There's a point at which a difference in quantity becomes a difference in kind".

The New York Times

The difference between Hume and Kames is, finally, a difference in kind, not degree.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But what would account for these differences in kind?

The New York Times

Rather than celebrating a "common ground of talents," we tend to inflate "small differences in degree into large differences in kind" and so legitimate existing systems of privilege.

The New York Times - Books

We analyze whether differences in kind and quality of ego-centered network data are related to whether the data are collected online or offline.

Social Networks

Differences of degree exist, but not differences in kind.

SEP

Within the mixture, one makes a division or "cut" into differences in kind: into matter and spirit, for instance.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difference in kind" to emphasize a fundamental, qualitative distinction rather than a simple difference in amount or degree. This strengthens the point that the items being compared are fundamentally dissimilar.

Common error

Avoid using "difference in kind" when a "difference in degree" is more appropriate. "Difference in kind" indicates a fundamental, qualitative distinction, whereas "difference in degree" indicates a quantitative difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difference in kind" functions as a noun phrase that signifies a fundamental or qualitative distinction between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used. The phrase is employed to emphasize that the entities being compared are not merely different in degree but belong to distinct categories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

29%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difference in kind" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote a fundamental, qualitative distinction rather than a mere difference in degree. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's prevalent in formal contexts like news, science, and academia, with sources such as The New York Times and the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy frequently employing it. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize that the items being compared are fundamentally dissimilar, and avoid using it when a "difference in degree" is more accurate. Alternative phrases include "qualitative distinction", "fundamental difference", and "categorical difference". The phrase serves to highlight distinctions based on inherent qualities rather than quantifiable metrics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Qualitative distinction

Emphasizes the qualitative nature of the difference, focusing on inherent characteristics.

Fundamental difference

Highlights the basic and essential nature of the dissimilarity.

Categorical difference

Focuses on the difference in category or type.

Essential distinction

Stresses the crucial and necessary aspect of the variance.

Qualitative disparity

Highlights the qualitative aspect of the difference.

Basic dissimilarity

Focuses on the fundamental lack of similarity.

Distinctive character

Emphasizes the unique and distinguishing attribute.

Inherent variance

Highlights the natural and intrinsic discrepancy.

Qualitative contrast

Focuses on comparing qualitative attributes to highlight the difference.

Intrinsic difference

Emphasizes that the difference is a natural and essential part of something.

FAQs

How do you use "difference in kind" in a sentence?

Use "difference in kind" to describe a distinction that is qualitative and fundamental, not just a matter of degree. For instance, "There's a "difference in kind" between a democracy and a dictatorship."

What's the difference between "difference in kind" and "difference in degree"?

"Difference in kind" refers to a qualitative distinction, meaning things are fundamentally different types. "Difference in degree" refers to a quantitative distinction, meaning things vary only in amount or intensity.

What can I say instead of "difference in kind"?

You can use alternatives like "qualitative distinction", "fundamental difference", or "categorical difference" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "difference in kind" in formal writing?

Yes, "difference in kind" is suitable for formal writing, including academic papers, reports, and professional communications. It clearly and precisely conveys a significant qualitative distinction.