makes a difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes a difference" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something has an impact or effect on a situation or outcome. Example: "Volunteering at the homeless shelter truly makes a difference in people's lives." This means that by volunteering, you are having a positive impact on the lives of those in need. You can use this phrase in various contexts, such as: - "Your support makes a difference in the success of our project." - "Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's day." - "The new technology makes a huge difference in productivity." - "I believe that every person can make a difference in the world." - "Even the smallest changes can make a difference in our environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That makes a difference".

The New York Times - Sports

Seeding makes a difference".

The New York Times

Every birth makes a difference.

The New York Times

Personnel makes a difference, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Globalisation also makes a difference.

The Economist

That visibility makes a difference.

The New York Times

And it makes a difference.

The New York Times

The "my" makes a difference.

The New Yorker

"Maybe that makes a difference".

The New York Times

But advertising makes a difference.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Keep making a difference.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes a difference" to highlight the positive impact of actions, decisions, or contributions. It is particularly effective when emphasizing the tangible results of an effort.

Common error

While "makes a difference" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "has an impact", "is significant", or "contributes meaningfully" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes a difference" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something or someone has a positive and noticeable impact. It emphasizes the effect of an action or contribution, turning an intention into a result. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makes a difference" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize that something has a positive impact or effect. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms such as "has an impact" or "is significant" for varied expression. Its primary function is to highlight the positive outcomes of actions and encourage meaningful contributions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has an impact

Focuses on the effect something has, rather than the act of creating change.

is significant

Highlights the importance or consequence of something.

has a positive effect

Specifically emphasizes the beneficial outcome of something.

is influential

Suggests that something has the power to change or affect events.

carries weight

Implies that something is important and deserving of consideration.

is of consequence

Emphasizes the importance and potential ramifications of something.

exerts influence

Suggests a more active or forceful way of affecting something.

produces results

Highlights the tangible outcome or effects of an action or decision.

effects change

Directly states the action of bringing about change.

contributes meaningfully

Highlights the positive contribution that something or someone offers.

FAQs

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

You can use "makes a difference" to emphasize that something has a positive impact or effect. For instance, "Volunteering your time "makes a difference" in the lives of others".

What's a good alternative to "makes a difference"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "has an impact", "is significant", or "contributes meaningfully".

Is it better to say "make a difference" or "makes a difference"?

"Make a difference" is used with plural subjects or 'I' and 'you', while "makes a difference" is used with singular subjects (he, she, it). For example, 'They make a difference' versus 'He makes a difference'.

What does it mean when someone says "it makes a difference"?

It means that something is important or has a noticeable effect on a situation. It highlights that the thing in question is not negligible and has a tangible impact.