make the difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make the difference" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize a certain point or action, especially when the point of action is significant or important. For example: "Choosing the right university will make the difference in my future success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could make the difference.

The Guardian - Music

They will make the difference.

The New York Times

"That will make the difference".

The New York Times

"Durant didn't make the difference.

The New York Times - Sports

Next, people make the difference.

The New York Times

Obama could make the difference.

The New Yorker

"It will make the difference".

The New York Times

"He will make the difference.

The Guardian - Sport

Only violent jihad would make the difference.

Independent

This entertaining show could make the difference.

The New York Times - Arts

All united, we will make the difference".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make the difference" when you want to highlight the pivotal role a specific action, person, or factor plays in achieving a significant outcome or altering a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "make the difference" when the impact is minimal or unclear. Ensure the context demonstrates a substantial and noticeable change resulting from the action or factor you're highlighting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make the difference" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that something or someone has a significant impact or influence on an outcome. Ludwig highlights its usage across various contexts to underscore a pivotal role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make the difference" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of a factor in achieving a specific outcome. According to Ludwig, it functions as a predicate, highlighting a decisive impact across neutral, formal, and informal registers. Commonly found in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Formal & Business" contexts, it is generally grammatically correct and widely accepted. Remember to use "make the difference" when the impact is substantial and clear. With its various semantically similar phrases, you can fine-tune your language to convey nuanced meanings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability, solidifying its place as a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a difference

Slightly modifies the query but retains the exact meaning. Slightly more common.

have an impact

Focuses on the effect rather than the act of creating that effect. Slightly more general.

have a decisive effect

Emphasizes the conclusiveness of the impact, suggesting that the effect is both significant and final.

exert influence

Highlights the power dynamic at play, suggesting a deliberate application of influence.

be instrumental

Highlights the essential nature of something in achieving a particular outcome.

play a key role

Focuses on importance within a larger process or system, rather than a standalone impact.

be a game changer

Implies a revolutionary impact, altering the course of events significantly.

prove significant

Highlights the importance of something as it becomes evident over time.

contribute substantially

Emphasizes the amount of contribution rather than the overall impact. Slightly more quantifiable.

leave its mark

Focuses on lasting impact, often with a sense of permanence or change.

FAQs

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

You can use "make the difference" to emphasize the importance of something in achieving a particular outcome. For example, "Volunteering your time can "make the difference" in a child's life".

What are some alternatives to "make the difference"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "have an impact", "play a key role", or "be instrumental".

Is there a difference between "make a difference" and "make the difference"?

"Make a difference" generally refers to having a positive impact, while "make the difference" refers to being the crucial factor that determines the outcome. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing general impact or specific decisiveness.

Which is correct, "make the difference" or "made the difference"?

Both are correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Make the difference" is present tense, while "made the difference" is past tense. For example, "His donation will "make the difference"" versus "His donation "made the difference" in building the new library".