made a big difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made a big difference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something has had a significant impact or effect on a situation or outcome. Example: "Her support during the project really made a big difference in our success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's made a big difference".

The New York Times

It made a big difference.

The New York Times

That has made a big difference.

The Economist

"It made a big difference," she said.

The New York Times

He made a big difference in mine.

The New York Times

"That made a big difference," he said.

The New York Times

Still, the stimulus made a big difference.

The New York Times

They made a big difference.

The Guardian

"That made a big difference," she said.

The Guardian

Both alterations made a big difference.

The Guardian - Sport

"It made a big difference," said Mason.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made a big difference" to underscore the positive or substantial impact of an action, decision, or event. It clearly conveys that something has had a significant effect.

Common error

While "made a big difference" is widely understood, it can sound less sophisticated in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "had a significant impact" or "created a substantial change" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made a big difference" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a particular action, event, or factor has had a significant impact or effect. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Sports

19%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "made a big difference" is a common and correct way to express that something has had a significant impact. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is widely usable in various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources. When writing, consider the context and audience to choose the most appropriate phrasing, but know that "made a big difference" is a reliable and easily understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a significant effect

Emphasizes the result or consequence of an action.

brought about a substantial change

Highlights the act of causing a major alteration.

created a considerable impact

Focuses on the influence or impression made.

was instrumental in transforming

Implies a crucial role in a complete change.

played a pivotal role

Highlights the critical importance of something.

contributed significantly to

Emphasizes the active part played in achieving something.

left a lasting impression

Suggests a memorable or permanent effect.

affected things in a big way

Uses a more casual tone to indicate a major influence.

reshaped the landscape

Highlights the transformative impact on an area or situation.

turned the tide

Suggests reversing a negative trend or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "made a big difference" in a sentence?

You can use "made a big difference" to indicate that something had a significant impact. For example, "Her support during the project "made a big difference" in our success."

What can I say instead of "made a big difference"?

You can use alternatives like "had a significant effect", "created a considerable impact", or "played a pivotal role" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "made a big difference" or "made a significant difference"?

Both ""made a big difference"" and "made a significant difference" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on the desired level of formality or emphasis.

What is the difference between "made a big difference" and "had an impact"?

"Made a big difference" suggests a more substantial and noticeable effect compared to the more general phrase "had an impact". The former emphasizes the magnitude of the effect.