important difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "important difference" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used whenever you want to emphasize that there is a significant or noteworthy distinction between two things. For example: - There is an important difference between being assertive and being aggressive in communication. - The two candidates have very different policies, but the most important difference lies in their stance on healthcare. - When comparing the two cell phone models, the battery life is the most important difference to consider. - There is an important difference between organic and conventional farming methods in terms of their impact on the environment. - The historian pointed out an important difference between the two historical events that had previously been thought to be the same.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

I think there is an important difference.

The Economist

But something is different, and it's an important difference.

TechCrunch

It's an important difference.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is an important difference.

The New Yorker

That's a really important difference.

Independent

There is an important difference.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Are there important differences among different methods?

Plosone

Still, important differences remain.

The New York Times

Yet important differences remain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With two important differences.

The New York Times

But there were important differences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "important difference", ensure you clearly articulate what the difference is and why it matters in the context you are writing.

Common error

Avoid simply stating there's an "important difference" without specifying what that difference entails. Always provide context and details to clarify the distinction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "important difference" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "important" modifies the noun "difference". It identifies a distinction that is worthy of attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "important difference" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight a noteworthy distinction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the significance of a divergence. While it's versatile across various registers, it's crucial to follow best practices by explicitly stating what the difference is, rather than merely asserting its existence. Alternatives such as "significant distinction" or "key distinction" can add nuance, but clarity remains paramount. With its prevalent usage across news, academia, and science, mastering the art of using "important difference" effectively enhances clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant distinction

Emphasizes the notable quality of the distinction.

key distinction

Highlights the crucial nature of the difference.

essential difference

Focuses on the fundamental aspect of the difference.

notable variation

Focuses on the degree of change or difference.

substantive difference

Highlights that the difference is real and meaningful.

major disparity

Suggests a considerable gap or imbalance.

meaningful contrast

Implies that the difference has significance or importance.

crucial dissimilarity

Stresses the critical importance of the lack of resemblance.

vital contrast

Emphasizes that the difference is essential or necessary.

marked divergence

Highlights a clear and noticeable departure or separation.

FAQs

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

You can use "important difference" to highlight a key distinction between two or more things. For example, "There is an "important difference" between being proactive and being reactive".

What are some alternatives to "important difference"?

Some alternatives include "significant distinction", "key distinction", or "notable variation" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "important difference" and "significant difference"?

While both phrases indicate a notable distinction, "significant difference" may imply a larger or more impactful distinction than "important difference". They are often interchangeable, but context matters.

Is it redundant to say "very important difference"?

While not strictly redundant, using "very important difference" can be seen as slightly emphatic. Consider whether the "important difference" truly warrants the extra emphasis or if a stronger, more concise term like "crucial distinction" might be more effective.