major difference of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major difference of" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to indicate a significant distinction between two or more things, but the preposition "of" is not appropriate in this context. Example: "The major difference between the two theories is their approach to problem-solving."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The one major difference of opinion my contractor and I encountered involved that support beam.

The New York Times

Another major difference, of course, is that few women served in Vietnam, and women were not allowed in combat units.

The New York Times

The major difference, of course, is that there hasn't been a Sept. 11-themed classic of the same importance as, say, "Angels in America".

The New York Times

There is one major difference, of course: the real murder remained unsolved; the detection genre requires that the novel supply a solution.

The Guardian - Books

Wasn't there ever a single occasion, I asked, when one of her devotees contradicted or doubted her? "To date there has been no major difference of opinion between Amma and her children," she told me, matter-of-factly.

The New York Times

The major difference of course, is that Pamuk is still around; the author has contributed substantially to this film, which takes its cue from his 2008 novel The Museum of Innocence, by writing extra material and helping shepherd it to its present form.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The British foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, told reporters: "There are a number of different areas where we still have major differences of interpretation in detailing what was agreed in Lausanne.

The Guardian

"There are a number of different areas where we still have major differences of interpretation in detailing what was agreed in Lausanne)," Hammond told reporters.

Huffington Post

One of the major differences, of course, was size: our farm consisted of 100 acres.

The New York Times

The surveys also showed major differences of sex, race and income in the two groups of delegates.

The New York Times

And third, there are major differences of view about the government's direction of travel which need to be understood, debated and voted on within the party.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "major difference of" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "significant difference between" or "key distinction between" for clarity and precision.

Common error

A common mistake is using "of" after "difference" when comparing two or more entities. Always use "between" when highlighting differences between distinct items, and "in" when noting a difference within something. For example, say "the difference between A and B", not "the difference of A and B".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major difference of" functions as a noun phrase intended to highlight a significant distinction. However, Ludwig AI indicates this phrasing is not standard in English. A more grammatically correct alternative would be "significant difference between."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "major difference of" is used to express a notable distinction, it is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Ludwig AI flags this as an incorrect phrase, suggesting alternatives like "significant difference between" or "key distinction between". Although examples can be found in scientific and news media sources, it's best to opt for grammatically sound alternatives for clarity and precision, especially in formal writing. Therefore, favoring alternatives will enhance the overall quality and correctness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant difference between

This alternative focuses on the difference and uses the standard preposition "between" to connect the compared items.

key difference between

Similar to "significant difference", but emphasizes that the difference is crucial or essential.

primary difference between

Indicates the most important or fundamental distinction.

main difference between

Highlights the principal distinction separating two things.

principal distinction between

A more formal way to express the most important difference.

notable difference between

Indicates that the difference is worth paying attention to.

striking difference between

Emphasizes that the difference is very noticeable or remarkable.

important distinction between

Highlights the significance of the distinction.

substantial contrast between

Highlights the marked difference between items.

considerable variation between

Focuses on the degree to which the compared items vary.

FAQs

Is the phrase "major difference of" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "major difference of" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "significant difference between" or "key distinction between".

What are some alternatives to "major difference of"?

Some alternatives include "primary difference between", "main difference between", or "principal distinction between". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When should I use 'between' instead of 'of' after 'difference'?

Use "between" when comparing two or more distinct entities (e.g., "the difference between A and B"). The preposition "of" is not appropriate in this context.

How can I improve my writing to avoid using "major difference of"?

Focus on using precise and grammatically correct phrasing. Review your writing for instances of "difference of" and replace them with more standard alternatives like "difference between", "distinction in", or "variation within".