make a tangible difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a tangible difference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when trying to emphasize an action that will cause measurable outcomes or results. For example: "We need people who are going to help make a tangible difference in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Yet Europe appears unlikely to pony up enough forces to make a tangible difference there.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fetish for 180g "heavyweight" vinyl doesn't make a "tangible difference" to the sound, Bidder says.

Independent

Schools can make a tangible difference in closing achievement gaps, but only with inspired teaching and an innovative curriculum, which headteachers must lead.

The Guardian

A BBC spokesperson said: "We have recently set out far-reaching plans, with a variety of approaches, that we believe will make a tangible difference".

The Guardian

As Freeman explains, "companies are now seeing that plants have signifi cant benefits, not just the touchy-feely benefits but things which make a tangible difference".

The Guardian - Money

Over the course of five years, it has progressed from a simple conversation to a global food safety center that stands to make a tangible difference.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

(PCT, director) As a result of these missing elements, interviewees expressed frustration that they were not able to judge if the different policies and programmes in HWHL had made a tangible difference to obesity prevalence in England.

BMC Public Health

It makes a tangible difference.

The New York Times

This work is about art making a tangible difference to a wider society.

The Guardian - Arts

Despite the compromises the Liberal Democrats have had to make in government, our action has made a tangible difference.

The Guardian - Opinion

People will want to see how their contribution is making a tangible difference to the world, Gurel-Atay predicts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "make a tangible difference" with quantifiable metrics or observable outcomes to demonstrate the real-world effect of an action or initiative.

Common error

Avoid using "make a tangible difference" when the actual impact is minimal or unproven. Ensure there is sufficient evidence or observable change to justify the claim. It's better to use "modest improvement" or "slight change" if the situation demands it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a tangible difference" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of producing a noticeable and measurable impact. It often complements a statement to emphasize the real-world effect of an action, as Ludwig suggests.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a tangible difference" is a commonly used verb phrase that signifies creating a noticeable and measurable impact. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts, including news media, science, and formal business settings. Its frequent use highlights its effectiveness in emphasizing the real-world consequences of actions. Alternatives such as "create a real impact" or "have a substantial effect" can be used to convey similar meanings while offering stylistic variation. Therefore, using this phrase ensures clarity and impact in emphasizing demonstrable outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create a real impact

Focuses on the impact or effect of an action, emphasizing genuine results.

have a substantial effect

Highlights the degree to which something is affected, suggesting importance.

make a significant contribution

Focuses on the act of contributing something important.

effectuate positive change

Stresses the outcome, change for the better as a result of actions taken.

generate a measurable outcome

Points to results that can be quantified.

produce a visible result

Emphasizes the clarity and visibility of the outcome.

bring about a practical change

Underscores the practicality and real-world application of the change.

exert a positive influence

Stresses the act of influencing something for the better.

leave a lasting impression

Indicates the effect will continue for long time.

drive meaningful progress

Highlights advancement with purpose and importance.

FAQs

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

Use "make a tangible difference" to describe actions that lead to noticeable and measurable improvements. For instance, "Volunteering your time can "make a tangible difference" in the lives of underprivileged children".

What can I say instead of "make a tangible difference"?

You can use alternatives like "create a real impact", "have a substantial effect", or "make a significant contribution" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "make a tangible difference" or "make a real difference"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""make a tangible difference"" emphasizes that the difference is concrete and observable, while "make a real difference" is more general.

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

"Make a tangible difference" suggests a noticeable and measurable change, whereas "make a significant impact" implies a substantial effect that may not always be directly observable but still holds importance.