making a difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the act of doing something that has a positive impact on someone or something. For example, "Sarah spends her free time volunteering at an animal rescue center, making a difference in the lives of homeless animals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Keep making a difference.

The New Yorker

It is making a difference.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is making a difference.

The New York Times

Is it making a difference?

The New York Times - Arts

We are making a difference.

Independent

Is he making a difference?

The New Yorker

They're making a difference.

The Guardian

I'm making a difference".

The New York Times

"It's making a difference," he says.

Independent

It's all about making a difference.

The New York Times

These initiatives are making a difference.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making a difference" to highlight specific actions and their beneficial results. For example, "Volunteering at the local shelter is a great way of "making a difference" in the community."

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "making a difference" without providing concrete examples of the positive impact. Instead of saying, "Our company is dedicated to making a difference", specify what actions the company takes and what positive outcomes they produce.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a difference" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause to describe an action that has a positive impact. As supported by Ludwig, it commonly emphasizes the beneficial result of an activity or effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making a difference" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe actions that have a positive impact. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability across various contexts. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings, emphasizing its versatility. The phrase serves to highlight the beneficial results of efforts, and while its register is generally neutral, it is important to provide specific examples to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "having a positive impact" and "contributing positively", each with slightly different nuances. The phrase is widely used, easy to understand and adds strong value in communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Having a positive impact

Focuses on the result of the action, highlighting the positive effect produced.

Contributing positively

Emphasizes the act of contributing to a better outcome or situation.

Making an impact

Similar to the original phrase, but can be more general and not necessarily positive.

Improving things

Highlights the act of making something better than it was before.

Bringing about change

Focuses on the act of causing a transformation or alteration.

Being effective

Emphasizes the successful achievement of a desired outcome or result.

Leaving a mark

Suggests a lasting and significant effect or influence.

Adding value

Focuses on the act of increasing the worth or importance of something.

Benefiting others

Highlights the act of providing advantages or improvements to other people.

Influencing positively

Emphasizes the act of having a beneficial effect on someone or something.

FAQs

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

You can use "making a difference" to describe actions that have a positive impact. For example, "Her work in education is truly "having a positive impact" on students' lives".

What are some alternatives to "making a difference"?

Some alternatives include "contributing positively", "having a positive impact", or "improving things" depending on the specific context.

Is "making a difference" formal or informal?

"Making a difference" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

What kind of impact does "making a difference" usually refer to?

"Making a difference" typically refers to a positive impact. It implies that the action or effort is having a beneficial effect on someone or something. However, it's important to ensure this positive effect is explicitly stated or clearly implied in the context.