make any difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'make any difference' is correct and is commonly used in written English.
For example: "I don't think my opinion will make any difference in the final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Will it make any difference?

The New Yorker

"Would it make any difference?

The New York Times

They won't make any difference.

The Guardian - Sport

Would Brexit make any difference?

The Guardian

Removing them won't make any difference.

The New Yorker

Why would that make any difference?

The New York Times

Not that that would make any difference.

The New York Times

Or does it make any difference?

The New York Times

"The time doesn't make any difference.

Independent

BB: It doesn't make any difference.

The New York Times

How could anything make any difference?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "make any difference", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or factor is being evaluated for its potential impact. For instance, "Will this new policy make any difference in reducing crime rates?".

Common error

Avoid using "make any difference" when the effect is negligible or uncertain. Instead, consider qualifiers like "might make a small difference" or "is unlikely to make any difference" to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make any difference" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to inquire about or assess the potential impact or effect of an action, decision, or event. It is often used in questions or statements that express doubt or uncertainty about whether something will have a noticeable result. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make any difference" is a commonly used verb phrase that questions or assesses the potential impact of an action or event. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news and media sources. When using "make any difference", ensure the context is clear about what is being evaluated. Although “make a difference” implies a positive change, “make any difference” simply questions if there will be any impact at all, regardless of whether it is positive or negative. Consider alternatives like "have an impact" or "have any effect" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a difference

A more direct and common way to express having a positive effect.

have any effect

Replaces "difference" with "effect", indicating a change or result.

have an impact

Uses "impact" instead of "difference", focusing on the effect of something.

alter the outcome

Focuses on changing the final result or situation.

be significant

Highlights the notability or importance of something.

prove beneficial

Highlights the positive outcome or advantage of something.

be of value

Implies that something is useful or worthwhile.

carry weight

Suggests that something has influence or importance.

have a bearing

Indicates that something is relevant or connected to a particular issue.

be of consequence

Emphasizes the importance or significance of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "make any difference" to question whether something will have an impact. For example, "Do you think this donation will "make any difference" to the charity's work?"

What's the difference between "make a difference" and "make any difference"?

"Make a difference" generally implies a positive impact, while "make any difference" is a more neutral phrasing that questions whether there will be an effect at all, positive or negative.

Which is correct, "make a difference" or "make any difference"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Make a difference" implies having a positive impact, while "make any difference" simply questions if there will be an impact, without specifying if it's positive or negative.

What can I say instead of "make any difference"?

Alternatives include "have an impact", "have any effect", or "be of consequence" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.