make a substantial difference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a substantial difference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the impact or effect that something has on a situation or outcome. Example: "The new policy is expected to make a substantial difference to employee satisfaction and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The development "will make a substantial difference to the shortfall in London," he added.

The Guardian - Business

There is no benefit in 'salami-slicing' and spreading the funds too thinly to make a substantial difference to anyone.

The Guardian

Tinsley is also wary about believing that the EBacc will make a substantial difference to language learning.

The Guardian

Sales from even a single title — if it is as significant as "The Da Vinci Code" — can make a substantial difference to a publisher's sales.

The New York Times

This would make a substantial difference to African exporters like the so-called C4 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali.

The Guardian

No matter who wins, "it is not going to make a substantial difference to India," agreed Ashok Swarup, a corporate lobbyist at the Imperial Hotel breakfast.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Having direct access to open space - a balcony, terrace or roof area - makes a substantial difference to the quality of everyday life.

The Guardian

Though the higher prices can be a moderate nuisance to real estate businesses or home buyers, they have made a substantial difference to the county budget.

The New York Times

This makes a substantial difference to the degree of optimality.

Biology Direct

Given the methods used, using the median and interquartile range to describe transfer durations, this is not likely to have made a substantial difference to the results.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Neither this restriction by quality nor the original authors' adjustments for potential confounding made a substantial difference to the pooled ORs.

Diabetologia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a substantial difference to", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being affected and the nature of the impact. For example, specify whether the difference is positive or negative to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "make a substantial difference to" when the actual effect is minimal or negligible. Ensure the impact is significant and demonstrable to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a substantial difference to" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate that something has a significant impact or effect on something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

52%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a substantial difference to" is a common and versatile expression used to highlight the significant impact of an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. The analysis reveals that this phrase is frequently used in both News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal communication. While several alternatives exist, such as "significantly impact" and "have a major effect on", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ensure that when using this phrase, the context clearly supports the claim of a notable and demonstrable difference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly impact

Focuses on the degree of influence, emphasizing a notable effect.

greatly influence

Emphasizes the power to have an effect on something.

have a major effect on

Highlights the extent of the consequence or result produced.

markedly improve

Indicates a clear and noticeable advancement or enhancement.

substantially alter

Stresses the degree of change or modification brought about.

considerably enhance

Emphasizes the augmentation or amplification of something.

noticeably affect

Highlights that the impact is easily observed or perceived.

positively transform

Focuses on a beneficial and complete change.

fundamentally reshape

Stresses a deep and basic change to the structure or form.

remarkably influence

Emphasizes the noteworthy or extraordinary impact.

FAQs

How can I use "make a substantial difference to" in a sentence?

Use "make a substantial difference to" to describe something that has a significant impact or effect. For example, "Investing in renewable energy can "make a substantial difference to" reducing carbon emissions".

What are some alternatives to saying "make a substantial difference to"?

You can use alternatives like "significantly impact", "have a major effect on", or "markedly improve" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "make a substantial difference to" and "make a significant difference to"?

While similar, "substantial" implies a larger, more noticeable impact than "significant". Both are correct, but ""make a substantial difference to"" suggests a more profound change.

When is it appropriate to use "make a substantial difference to" in formal writing?

It's suitable for formal writing when you need to emphasize the notable impact or influence of something. Ensure the context supports the claim that the difference is indeed substantial.