discrepancy about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discrepancy about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a difference or inconsistency of opinion or information on a topic or issue. For example: After further investigation, it was discovered that there was a discrepancy about the reported crime statistics.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Ms. Stahl said, "To be fair we did hear some discrepancy about his age".

The New York Times

A Puzzling Discrepancy About five years ago, L.I.R.R. officials say, they wanted to know more about why some employees were retiring and then filing for occupational disability.

The New York Times

Sometimes, when there's some discrepancy about grammatical correctness, and when there are some readers who are uncomfortable with or offended by a usage, "it sounds old-fashioned/awkward/silly/just wrong" is the best justification for a style ruling.

The Guardian

Both the N.S.A. and several tech companies declined to explain the apparent discrepancy about whether the extensions and delays affected e-mail companies involved in the Prism program, nor — assuming they did — say why the costs would be significant.

The New York Times

The next day, the assistant general manager John Ricco explained that the team felt the normal protocols had not been followed, and there was some discrepancy about whether Beltran had been given permission to have the operation before he had the approval of the Mets' team doctors.

The New York Times - Sports

There is also some discrepancy about what jobs are being affected.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The simulation results showed good agreement with the experimental data with the maximum discrepancy of about 5.4%.

Energy Procedia

Suspicion arose over discrepancies about who supposedly paid the collateral.

The New York Times

"Even among Sunni Muslim extremists and committed terrorists, including Zarqawi and Al Qaeda, there can be extreme discrepancies about strategy and tactics," one senior official said.

The New York Times

But it noted discrepancies about his role from Mr. Mohammed and a second suspected plotter in American custody, Ramzi bin al-Shibh.

The New York Times

Mr. Kirk's background has come under fresh examination after his apology this month for errors and discrepancies about his military record.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discrepancy about", ensure that the context clearly identifies what the differing elements are and the subject they relate to. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "discrepancy about" when you intend to describe a direct contradiction without a specific subject. Instead of saying 'There's a discrepancy about the facts', use 'There's a discrepancy in the facts' when the focus is on the factual contradiction itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discrepancy about" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a difference or inconsistency concerning a particular topic. It connects a noun (discrepancy) with its subject, clarifying the area of disagreement. Ludwig examples showcase usage in diverse contexts, validating its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discrepancy about" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that highlights differences or inconsistencies regarding a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from sources like The New York Times and Science Magazine. While it's most frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, it’s essential to ensure the context clearly identifies the differing elements to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "divergence regarding" or "difference concerning" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divergence regarding

This alternative emphasizes the act of diverging or differing, often used in more formal contexts.

difference concerning

This option highlights the state of being different with respect to something, maintaining a neutral tone.

inconsistency with respect to

This phrase underscores the lack of uniformity or logical coherence concerning a specific issue.

variance in relation to

This alternative is more suitable in statistical or technical contexts where variations are being discussed.

conflict over

This option implies a direct clash or opposition, often used when discussing disagreements or disputes.

disagreement on the subject of

This alternative stresses the lack of consensus on a particular topic, highlighting opposing viewpoints.

debate surrounding

This phrase emphasizes a formal discussion or controversy around an issue, implying multiple perspectives.

controversy concerning

This alternative points to a prolonged public dispute or heated disagreement regarding a matter.

ambiguity surrounding

This phrase suggests that the issue is unclear or open to multiple interpretations, creating uncertainty.

uncertainty about

This alternative directly conveys a lack of sureness or definiteness regarding a topic, indicating potential doubts.

FAQs

How can I use "discrepancy about" in a sentence?

Use "discrepancy about" to indicate differences or inconsistencies regarding a particular topic. For instance, "There is a "disagreement about" the actual number of attendees at the event".

What are some alternatives to using "discrepancy about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "difference concerning", "inconsistency with respect to", or "variance in relation to", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "discrepancy about" or "discrepancy in"?

The choice depends on the context. "Discrepancy about" is used when referring to a difference of opinion or information regarding a subject. "Discrepancy in" refers to a difference within something, such as "a discrepancy in the data".

What does "discrepancy about" imply in academic writing?

In academic writing, "discrepancy about" suggests that there are conflicting findings, interpretations, or data concerning a particular issue, which requires further investigation or clarification.