indicate the difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicate the difference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to point out or clarify the distinctions between two or more items, concepts, or situations. Example: "In your analysis, please indicate the difference between the two theories presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Since their situations are similar but their modeling assumption constraint(s) and physical phenomenon constraint(s) are exclusively different, they indicate the difference of two models before/after the change of the situation.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

The term (1- p) is used to indicate the difference of nutrient molecule transfer with different pressure, and (1- n) is to reflect nutrient molecules' saturation effect.

BMC Systems Biology

Data points indicate the difference between the low and high frequency peak times for individual seizures.

Nature

Is that the only way to indicate the difference between singular and plural?

The New York Times

The results indicate the difference between static and dynamic data using the certification system.

Energy Procedia

One problem with the service, she said, is that there is "no nuanced way" for users to indicate the difference between close friends and mere acquaintances, she added.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Different colors indicate the differences of the reference year (2012: red, 2013: blue, 2014: green).

Earth, Planets and Space

Effluent data clearly indicate the differences in product distribution between catalysts and equilibrium.

Chemical Engineering Science

The additional descriptors indicate the differences in content in each game, and that's why we encourage parents to use both parts of the system when choosing games.

TechCrunch

Ducking down an alley, to the meat vendors, the chef grabbed and lifted samples to indicate the differences between today's fresh meat and yesterday's waning pieces.

Huffington Post

The percentages in the table indicate the differences from this baseline.

Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicate the difference", ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined and that the specific aspects of difference are relevant to your overall point.

Common error

Avoid using "indicate the difference" when a simpler word like "show" or "highlight" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicate the difference" functions as a verb phrase used to highlight or point out a distinction between two or more things. As Ludwig AI reports, it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig show its application in various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indicate the difference" is a versatile and commonly used expression to point out distinctions between items, concepts or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in scientific and news domains. When writing, ensure the points of comparison are clear and relevant. While effective, be mindful not to overuse formal language when a simpler term like "show" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point out the distinction

Substitutes "indicate" with "point out", which is a more direct way of expressing the action.

highlight the disparity

Replaces "indicate" with "highlight" and "difference" with "disparity", emphasizing the contrast.

show the variance

Uses "show" as a synonym for "indicate" and "variance" for "difference".

clarify the contrast

Focuses on making the contrast clearer rather than just pointing it out.

demonstrate the gap

Replaces "difference" with "gap", highlighting the space or interval between two things.

specify the divergence

Replaces "indicate" with "specify", suggesting a more precise identification of the difference.

exhibit the variation

Uses "exhibit" to mean "indicate", highlighting the act of displaying the difference.

elucidate the distinction

Focuses on making the distinction clear and easy to understand.

denote the discrepancy

Substitutes "indicate" with "denote", implying a formal marking of the difference.

reveal the deviation

Emphasizes the act of uncovering or making known the difference.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "indicate the difference"?

You can use alternatives like "highlight the disparity", "point out the distinction", or "clarify the contrast" depending on the context.

How do I use "indicate the difference" in a sentence?

Use "indicate the difference" when you want to point out or clarify the distinctions between two or more items, concepts, or situations. For example, "The results clearly indicate the difference between the two methods."

What is the difference between "indicate the difference" and "show the difference"?

While both phrases are similar, "indicate the difference" often implies a more formal or analytical approach, whereas "show the difference" can be more direct and less formal.

Is it better to say "indicate a difference" or "indicate the difference"?

Using "the" implies that you are referring to a specific difference that has already been established or is understood. "A" suggests that you are pointing out a difference that may not have been previously recognized. For example, "This study may "indicate a difference" in patient outcomes" suggests a potential new finding, while "These results "indicate the difference" between the two groups" suggests a known distinction.