marks the difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'marks the difference' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the contrast between two things. For example: I think it's the extra effort that really marks the difference.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Magazine

I think a deep interest in form and telling, in the technology of a story, marks the difference between literary fiction and literature.

The New York Times

The novel's regret for the past and suspicion of the new dramatically marks the difference between village prose and the Socialist-Realist collective farm novel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As you can discover on the vast majority of Web sites, that prepositional distinction between opting "in" and "out" marks the difference between meaningful and disingenuous respect for privacy.

The New York Times - Magazine

The researchers found: "For heat-related extremes, the additional 0.5C marks the difference between events at the upper limit of present-day natural variability and a new climate regime, particularly in tropical regions".

The Guardian

Schleussner concluded that going from 1.5 to 2C "marks the difference between events at the upper limit of present-day natural variability and a new climate regime, particularly in tropical regions".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times

Dressed casually and staying long after the event to answer questions, the pair sought to mark the difference between themselves and other politicians vying for votes.

The Guardian

Matthews's book reminds his readers to mark the difference, to remember and to acknowledge how quickly luck can change — for a family or a country.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marks the difference" to clearly highlight the specific attribute or factor that distinguishes one thing from another, ensuring your writing is precise and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "marks the difference" in situations where the distinction is already obvious or trivial. Instead, reserve it for highlighting significant and insightful distinctions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marks the difference" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the attribute or characteristic that sets two or more things apart. As Ludwig AI highlights, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "marks the difference" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to highlight the distinguishing factor between two or more things. Ludwig AI affirms its validity, and its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media and Science. When writing, use this phrase to clearly emphasize the attributes that set entities apart. Though versatile, avoid using it in overly simplistic comparisons to preserve its impact. Alternatives include "highlights the distinction" and "underscores the contrast", offering nuanced ways to express differentiation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highlights the distinction

This alternative emphasizes the act of bringing attention to a notable difference.

underscores the contrast

This phrase stresses the noticeable differences, making them more apparent.

distinguishes between

This option directly points out the separation and unique qualities of each item.

sets apart

This alternative focuses on what makes something unique or superior.

differentiates

A more concise and direct way of expressing the act of distinguishing.

pinpoints the variance

This emphasizes the precise identification of the differing aspects.

identifies the discrepancy

This suggests uncovering and noting a lack of consistency or agreement.

signifies the dissimilarity

This option implies that the difference serves as a sign or indicator.

reveals the divergence

This phrase highlights how things move away from each other or from a common point.

elucidates the contrast

This option brings clarity and understanding to the difference.

FAQs

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

Use "marks the difference" to emphasize a key distinction between two things. For example, "Attention to detail "marks the difference" between a good product and a great one".

What are some alternatives to "marks the difference"?

You can use alternatives like "highlights the distinction", "underscores the contrast", or "distinguishes between" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "marks a difference" or "marks the difference"?

"Marks the difference" is generally preferred when referring to a specific, identifiable distinction. "Marks a difference" might be used in a more general sense.

What's the difference between "marks the difference" and "makes the difference"?

"Marks the difference" emphasizes identifying the distinguishing factor, while "makes the difference" implies that something is directly responsible for causing a positive change or outcome. The difference resides in the level of specificity versus influence.