fundamental difference

USAGE SUMMARY

'fundamental difference' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a difference between two or more concepts or things that is very large or important. For example, "The fundamental difference between the two political parties is that one wants to raise taxes while the other wants to lower taxes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a fundamental difference".

The New Yorker

It's a fundamental difference.

The New Yorker

"That is a fundamental difference.

The New York Times

The fundamental difference is methodological.

The Economist

Still there is a fundamental difference.

The New York Times

It's a fundamental difference for -- with us.

The New York Times

It's a fundamental difference of opinion.

The New York Times

"Leadership can make a fundamental difference".

The Guardian

But now, he said, "there's a fundamental difference down here".

The New York Times

There's one fundamental difference between the government and ourselves.

The Guardian

About the fundamental difference between us, Min would answer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamental difference", clearly articulate what aspects are being compared and contrasted to emphasize the significance of the difference.

Common error

Avoid using "fundamental difference" to describe minor variations. Ensure the distinction truly represents a core divergence that has meaningful implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamental difference" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and emphasize a core or essential distinction between two or more entities, concepts, or situations. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fundamental difference" is a widely used and grammatically sound way to express a core distinction between two or more things. As noted by Ludwig, its usage is common across various authoritative sources, including news media, academic publications, and formal business contexts. The phrase serves to emphasize the significance of a distinction, prompting consideration of its implications. While synonyms like "key distinction" or "essential contrast" exist, "fundamental difference" remains a clear and impactful choice for highlighting profound divergences. Be mindful to use it only when the difference is truly significant to avoid overstating minor variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key distinction

Replaces "fundamental" with "key", emphasizing the importance of the difference.

core distinction

Focuses on the central or most important distinction.

basic disparity

Uses "basic" and "disparity" to highlight a foundational inequality or variance.

essential contrast

Substitutes "fundamental" with "essential" and "difference" with "contrast", stressing the core divergence.

major divergence

Emphasizes the act of diverging or moving in different directions significantly.

primary differentiation

Highlights the main point at which things become distinct or different.

underlying difference

Suggests a difference that is not immediately obvious but is foundational.

significant variation

Emphasizes the degree or extent to which things differ.

stark contrast

Implies a sharp, clear, and often dramatic difference.

palpable distinction

Highlights a difference that is easily perceived or obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "fundamental difference" in a sentence?

You can use "fundamental difference" to highlight a significant distinction between two or more things. For example, "There is a fundamental difference between their approaches to the problem".

What is a synonym for "fundamental difference"?

Synonyms for "fundamental difference" include "key distinction", "essential contrast", or "major divergence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "fundamental difference" and "slight difference"?

"Fundamental difference" implies a core, significant distinction that affects the nature of the things being compared, while "slight difference" suggests a minor, superficial variation.

Is it redundant to say "very fundamental difference"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "very" to "fundamental difference" can be redundant. "Fundamental" already implies a basic and essential quality, so it's often more impactful to simply use "fundamental difference" or choose a stronger adjective if necessary.