major difference between

USAGE SUMMARY

"major difference between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a comparison between two things, for example: "The major difference between a crocodile and an alligator is the shape of their snouts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There is a major difference between the two.

The New York Times

This was a major difference between American and German racism.

The New Yorker

There's one major difference between the two: Galileo was right.

The Guardian

That's a major difference between us," she said.

The Guardian

There's a major difference between Bush and Obama.

The Guardian - Opinion

The major difference between the two services is cost.

The New York Times

A major difference between the House and Senate bills is the helicopter of choice.

The New York Times

The major difference between our "Big Brother" and the others is bland niceness.

The New York Times

To Cashman, that explains the major difference between Soriano and Jeter.

The New York Times - Sports

The second major difference between the brain and a computer is in how information is processed.

The Guardian

She did, however, note a major difference between the Trophies program and the citywide curriculum.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the major difference between" to clearly introduce a comparison, ensuring that the items being compared are explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "major difference between" repeatedly within a short piece of writing. Vary your language by employing synonyms like "key distinction", "primary contrast", or "fundamental difference" to maintain reader engagement and stylistic flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major difference between" serves as an introductory prepositional phrase, highlighting the most important distinction when comparing two or more subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English writing. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's utility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

20%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Technology

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major difference between" is a versatile and frequently used expression for highlighting significant distinctions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, from formal scientific publications to everyday news articles. The phrase's utility lies in its ability to clearly introduce comparisons, aiding in understanding and informed decision-making. While highly valuable, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms to maintain stylistic variation. As Ludwig's examples show, this phrase is indeed a very common part of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fundamental difference between

Stresses the foundational or essential distinction.

Principal distinction between

Highlights the main difference with a formal tone.

Key distinction between

Focuses on the most important distinguishing factor.

Main contrast between

Highlights opposing characteristics.

Chief difference between

Focuses on the most important distinguishing factor using "chief" instead of "major".

Primary divergence between

Emphasizes the point at which things separate or differ.

Significant disparity between

Indicates a notable inequality or difference in amount or quality.

Central variation between

Points out the core aspect that changes or differs.

Notable discrepancy between

Highlights an inconsistency or contradiction.

Distinctive feature between

Emphasizes a characteristic that clearly sets things apart.

FAQs

How do I use "major difference between" in a sentence?

Use "major difference between" to highlight the most significant distinction when comparing two or more items. For example, "The "major difference between" cats and dogs is their level of independence".

What can I say instead of "major difference between"?

You can use alternatives like "key distinction between", "primary contrast between", or "fundamental difference between" to vary your language.

Which is correct, "major difference between" or "major difference of"?

"Major difference between" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing when comparing two or more items. "Major difference of" is not typically used in this context.

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

While both phrases are similar, ""major difference between"" implies a more impactful or crucial distinction compared to "significant difference between", which simply indicates a noteworthy difference.