make a significant difference

USAGE SUMMARY

'make a significant difference' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has had a considerable and meaningful impact. For example, "The extra funding provided to the schools in the area made a significant difference in the quality of education the students received."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Knowing which negotiation strategies to use in different circumstances can make a significant difference.

Harvard University

Reversing that would make a significant difference.

The Economist

Fees can make a significant difference.

The New York Times

Could Mathieu Flamini make a significant difference?

The Guardian - Sport

Will they make a significant difference?

The New York Times

"It's going to make a significant difference," Mr. Cuomo said.

The New York Times

State laws make a significant difference, the study found.

The New York Times

It can make a significant difference in some races".

The Guardian

This subtle distinction could make a significant difference in court.

Harvard University

On hot days, this would make a significant difference.

The Guardian - Opinion

During the next century that'll make a significant difference.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a significant difference", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being affected and the nature of the impact. For example, "Investing in renewable energy can "make a significant difference" in reducing carbon emissions."

Common error

Avoid using "make a significant difference" when the actual impact is minimal or unproven. Use more modest language if the change is incremental rather than substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a significant difference" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of causing a noteworthy change or having a considerable impact. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to express that something has a meaningful and considerable effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a significant difference" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has a substantial and meaningful impact. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It is frequently used in news, media, and academic settings, indicating its versatility. While alternatives like ""have a substantial impact"" or ""exert a considerable influence"" exist, "make a significant difference" remains a clear and effective choice for conveying considerable influence or impact. Be mindful not to overstate the actual impact and ensure the context clearly defines what is being influenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a substantial impact

Replaces "make" with "have" and "difference" with "impact", emphasizing the effect rather than the action of creating it.

exert a considerable influence

Substitutes "make a difference" with "exert influence", highlighting the power to affect something.

contribute meaningfully

Focuses on the act of contributing in a way that is significant, rather than the overall difference made.

generate a notable improvement

Emphasizes the creation of a positive change that is easily observed or recognized.

foster a remarkable transformation

Highlights the encouragement and development of a substantial and positive change.

bring about a profound change

Focuses on causing a deep and impactful alteration.

play a crucial role

Indicates the importance and necessity of the contribution.

leave a lasting impression

Highlights the long-term effect and memorability of the impact.

reshape the landscape

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey a complete and fundamental alteration.

shift the paradigm

Implies a fundamental change in the underlying assumptions and framework.

FAQs

How can I use "make a significant difference" in a sentence?

Use "make a significant difference" to describe actions or events that have a considerable and positive impact. For example, "Volunteering your time can "make a significant difference" in someone's life."

What are some alternatives to "make a significant difference"?

You can use alternatives such as "have a substantial impact", "exert a considerable influence", or "contribute meaningfully" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "make a big difference" instead of "make a significant difference"?

Yes, "make a big difference" is a common and generally acceptable alternative. However, ""make a significant difference"" may sound more formal and impactful in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "make a significant difference" and "make a positive impact"?

While both phrases suggest a beneficial effect, ""make a significant difference"" implies a more substantial and noticeable change, whereas "make a positive impact" can refer to any beneficial influence, regardless of its magnitude.