difference in length

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'difference in length' is entirely acceptable in written English.
You could use it when discussing the discrepancy between two measured lengths. For example, "The difference in length between the two pieces of wood was three inches."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The resulting PCR amplicons differed at 10 positions with an 8 bp (BLAST) difference in length.

Plosone

There still is a two-inch difference in length which I have to fix".

The New York Times - Health

The difference in length of survival was due to the pH, a measure of acidity, of the stool.

The New York Times

Thwaite quotes Larkin's jocular explanation "I treat them like a music-hall bill: you know, contrast, difference in length, the comic, the Irish tenor, bring on the girls".

The New Yorker

Bjorn needs his three wood just to keep up with a club that Woods - and Love - can hit towards 290 yards, a difference in length that can begin to worry a man.

The Guardian - Sport

There was no difference in length of hospital stay between the 2 groups.

The Journal of Pediatrics

However, there was no difference in length of intensive care unit stay.

Liver Transplantation

There was no difference in length of hospital stay between the two groups.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

The difference in length between patterned and non-patterned areas is obvious.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Survival analysis revealed no difference in length of stay between patients referred from academic and non-academic medical centers.

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

The difference in length of hospital stay that we found in this study therefore has to be interpreted with care.

Gynecological Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing multiple objects, specify the units of measurement to clearly illustrate the "difference in length". For example, "The difference in length was 5 centimeters."

Common error

Ensure you clearly state what two items are being compared when discussing the "difference in length". Without clear context, the statement becomes meaningless. For example, instead of saying 'The difference in length was significant', specify 'The difference in length between the original and modified version was significant'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difference in length" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a measurable disparity between two or more objects or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound expression. Examples include "The resulting PCR amplicons differed at 10 positions with an 8 bp (BLAST) difference in length" and "There still is a two-inch difference in length which I have to fix."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difference in length" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that effectively conveys the variation in the linear dimension of objects or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. Its prevalence in both scientific and general contexts underscores its versatility, with a slight inclination towards more formal or technical writing. The phrase can be enhanced by providing clear context, specifying the objects being compared, and including units of measurement for clarity. Alternative phrases like "length discrepancy" or "length variation" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

length variation

Focuses on the act or state of varying in length, rather than the specific disparity.

length discrepancy

Emphasizes an inconsistency or lack of agreement in length.

difference in dimension

Broader term that encompasses length but also includes other spatial measurements.

length differential

Similar to difference, but often implies a specific calculation or measurement of the disparity.

variation in longitudinal size

A more formal and scientific way of describing differences in length, specifically along the longest axis.

size disparity

Highlights the inequality in size, with length being one aspect of it.

length contrast

Focuses on the comparison between lengths, highlighting their distinctness.

difference in linear extent

More technical phrasing for a difference in the measurement of a straight line or path.

gap in length

Implies a measurable space or interval exists between the two lengths

dimensional variance

A statistical or mathematical term for the degree to which dimensions, including length, differ.

FAQs

How do I use "difference in length" in a sentence?

Use "difference in length" to describe the measured variation between two objects or distances. For example, "The "difference in length" between the two boards was negligible."

What's a more formal synonym for "difference in length"?

In a formal context, you could use "length discrepancy" or "variation in longitudinal size" as alternatives for "difference in length". These terms are suitable for scientific or technical writing.

Is it correct to say "difference of length" instead of "difference in length"?

While "difference of length" might be understood, "difference in length" is the more idiomatic and commonly accepted phrasing. "Difference in" is generally preferred when describing a variation within a specific attribute or characteristic.

How do I quantify the "difference in length"?

To quantify the "difference in length", you need to measure the length of both objects and then subtract one from the other. Ensure you specify the units of measurement (e.g., inches, centimeters) when stating the difference.