marking the difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marking the difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when highlighting or indicating a distinction between two or more things. Example: "The study aims at marking the difference between traditional and modern teaching methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Sitting in an upstairs office in a Cambridge business park, with the blinds drawn for precaution, Peter – one of 13 analysts at the IWF – dutifully clicks through the daily queue of images and videos, marking the difference.

The Guardian

The story unfolds onstage through the words of those interviewed by Mr. Kaufman's actors and writers, and also through the actors' responses as they recreate their interview sessions, sometimes playing both interviewer and interviewee, marking the difference with costume and accent changes.

The New York Times

In one way of thinking about time, there is a privileged temporal direction marking the difference between the past, present, and future.

SEP

E.g., in the sentence "This tree is green" we may substitute "chair"—but not "careless"—for "tree" without turning sense into nonsense, marking the difference between the meaning categories of nominative material and adjectival material (1913/2000, 511 512).

SEP

A head tilt, nod or shake will provide tonal context for the words that are signed, marking the difference between a declarative statement and an inquiry.

Huffington Post

These elements are linked to a classical concept of stigma as an individual attribute, marking the difference between that person and those regarded as "normal" in a specific environment [ 8, 11].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Not surprisingly, the Greeks had two words for marking the differences between the experiences of time -- .

Huffington Post

Those two misses marked the difference between victory and defeat.

The Guardian - Sport

These concerns mark the difference between success and failure for welfare reform.

The Guardian

This is the kind of attention to detail that marks the difference between off-the-rack and couture.

The New York Times - Magazine

The author argues that this myth revolves around the issue of rewards, which "mark the difference between winners and losers".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "marking the difference", ensure that the context clearly defines what two or more entities are being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "marking the difference" without specifying the elements being compared. For instance, instead of just saying "the change is marking the difference", clarify it as "the change in leadership is marking the difference between the company's previous struggles and its current success".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marking the difference" functions as a gerund phrase that serves to emphasize a distinction between two or more entities. As supported by Ludwig, it highlights a separation or contrast that is being actively identified or created. Examples show its use in various contexts to denote a significant point of divergence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "marking the difference" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as supported by Ludwig AI, employed to highlight distinctions between entities. While not exceedingly common, its usage is prevalent in news, scientific, and formal contexts. To enhance clarity, specify the elements being compared and avoid vague applications of the phrase. Consider "highlighting the distinction" or "identifying the disparity" as alternatives to the phrase depending on the specific situation. As such, it's a versatile choice to signal differences, while providing guidance that ensures you wield it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highlighting the distinction

Focuses on making the difference noticeable or prominent.

distinguishing the contrast

Emphasizes the act of discerning a clear opposition.

identifying the disparity

Highlights the act of recognizing and pointing out the inequality or difference.

pointing out the variation

Directly indicates the existence of change or divergence.

specifying the divergence

Focuses on clearly stating where something deviates or differs.

noting the demarcation

Emphasizes recording and acknowledging the boundary or separation.

delineating the contrast

Focuses on outlining or defining the clear difference.

pinpointing the deviation

Highlights the act of accurately identifying the point of departure.

signaling the distinction

Emphasizes the act of giving a signal that there is a distinction.

defining the separation

Highlights the act of establishing the characteristics that divide.

FAQs

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

You can use "marking the difference" to highlight a distinction. For example, "Marking the difference between success and failure requires careful planning".

What's a good alternative to "marking the difference"?

Alternatives include "highlighting the distinction", "identifying the disparity", or "distinguishing the contrast" depending on the context.

What does it mean to say something is "marking the difference"?

It means something is creating or highlighting a clear distinction between two or more things, indicating a notable contrast or separation.

How does "marking the difference" compare to "making the difference"?

"Marking the difference" focuses on identifying or creating a distinction, while "making the difference" implies having a significant positive impact or effect.