makes a big difference

USAGE SUMMARY

"makes a big difference" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe a significant impact or effect that something has. Example: "Eating a healthy breakfast every morning makes a big difference in your energy levels throughout the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

That makes a big difference".

The New York Times - Sports

"Happiness makes a big difference".

The New York Times - Sports

Plus losing weight makes a big difference.

The New York Times

And it makes a big difference.

The New York Times

And home soil makes a big difference".

Independent

It makes a big difference for us.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It made a big difference.

The New York Times

"Small things can make a big difference.

Independent

"It made a big difference," she said.

The New York Times

That has made a big difference.

The Economist

He made a big difference in mine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "makes a big difference", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being significantly affected and why it matters. Strong verbs can enhance the impact, like 'revolutionizes' or 'transforms'.

Common error

Avoid using "makes a big difference" without specifying what aspect is affected. For example, instead of saying 'This new policy makes a big difference', specify 'This new policy makes a big difference in employee morale and productivity'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes a big difference" functions as a predicate in a sentence, emphasizing the significant effect or impact that something has. Ludwig indicates its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "makes a big difference" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to emphasize a substantial impact or effect. Ludwig's examples show its versatility across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. Its neutral register and straightforward meaning make it widely applicable. While similar phrases exist, such as "has a significant impact", it's essential to use "makes a big difference" with clarity, specifying what is being affected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a significant impact

Focuses on the effect being important or considerable.

is highly influential

Emphasizes the power to affect something.

creates a substantial change

Highlights the transformation brought about.

is a game changer

Implies that something fundamentally alters the course of events.

carries considerable weight

Indicates the importance or influence something holds.

is of great consequence

Stresses the importance of the result or outcome.

exerts a strong effect

Focuses on the powerful influence something has.

profoundly affects

Highlights the deep and intense impact.

leaves a notable mark

Emphasizes the lasting impression or change.

substantially alters

Indicates that something changes to a large degree.

FAQs

How can I use "makes a big difference" in a sentence?

Use "makes a big difference" to emphasize the significant impact of something. For example, "Implementing this new strategy "makes a big difference" in our overall performance".

What can I say instead of "makes a big difference"?

You can use alternatives like "has a significant impact", "is highly influential", or "creates a substantial change" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "makes a big difference" or "has a big impact"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""makes a big difference"" focuses on the action of creating a change, while "has a big impact" focuses on the result. The best choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "makes a big difference" and "makes a small difference"?

"Makes a big difference" indicates a notable and significant impact, while "makes a small difference" indicates a minor or subtle impact. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of effect size.