explain the difference

USAGE SUMMARY

"explain the difference" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to ask someone to provide an explanation or clarification on the distinction between two things. Here is an example: "Can you please explain the difference between a manager and a leader?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Let me explain the difference.

The New York Times - Arts

Does this explain the difference?

The Economist

How to explain the difference?

The New York Times

Explain the difference.

The New York Times

Would you explain the difference?

The New York Times

Can you explain the difference there?

The New York Times

Is that enough to explain the difference?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

immunization that might explain the difference in protection.

BMC Medical Genomics

This difference in complexity might explain the difference in effects.

BMC Psychiatry

Can you explain the difference between adaptive and maladaptive pain?

The New Yorker

Could he explain the difference?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explain the difference", ensure you are comparing two distinct items or concepts. Clearly identify both subjects before elaborating on their differences to provide context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "explain the difference" without specifying what is being compared. Vague comparisons can confuse your audience. Always be specific about the items or concepts you are discussing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the difference" functions as an imperative request. It asks someone to provide clarification or a detailed account of the dissimilarities between two or more subjects. Ludwig's examples highlight its frequent use in seeking clarification across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explain the difference" is a grammatically correct and very common request for clarification, predominantly used in news, media, scientific, and academic contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to bridge understanding by eliciting a description of the distinctions between entities or concepts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in the subjects being compared. Alternatives such as "clarify the distinction" or "delineate the contrast" can be used to add nuance, especially in more formal settings. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use the phrase and avoid common pitfalls like vagueness in your comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify the distinction

Focuses on making the distinction clear.

describe the contrast

Uses a more general term for pointing out the distinction.

delineate the contrast

Emphasizes drawing a line between the two.

outline the difference

Implies providing a structured overview of the differences.

expound upon the variation

Suggests a more detailed explanation of the variation.

elucidate the dissimilarity

Highlights making the dissimilarity clear and understandable.

spell out the distinction

Suggests a very clear and easy-to-understand explanation.

detail the divergence

Focuses on providing a detailed account of the divergence.

illuminate the variance

Focuses on shedding light on the variance.

specify the disparity

Emphasizes pinpointing the exact disparity.

FAQs

How can I use "explain the difference" in a sentence?

You can use "explain the difference" to request clarification between two distinct subjects. For example, "Could you "explain the difference" between a democracy and a republic?"

What's a more formal way to ask someone to "explain the difference"?

In a formal setting, you could ask someone to "clarify the distinction" or "delineate the contrast" between two concepts.

What can I say instead of "explain the difference" in casual conversation?

In casual conversation, you might ask, "Can you "spell out the distinction"?" or "Can you "describe the contrast"?".

What's the difference between asking to "explain the difference" and asking to "expound upon the variation"?

Asking to "expound upon the variation" implies a more detailed and thorough explanation than simply asking to ""explain the difference"".