net difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "net difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts involving calculations or comparisons, particularly in finance or statistics, to indicate the final difference after all factors have been considered. Example: "After accounting for all expenses and revenues, the net difference in our budget is a positive $5,000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Looking at the data a different way, we can compare the net difference between the Commitment and Rejection Indices.

Huffington Post

The net difference of activity between compounds 11 and 12 which only differ by a CH3 moiety should be noted.

BioMed Research International

A NET difference?

The Washington Post

But they can eventually get that additional year with their new team, minimizing the net difference.

The New York Times - Sports

Economic anxiety is greatest in France, where pessimists outnumber optimists by a net difference of 46 points.

The Guardian

That net difference of 4,300 tonnes is the equivalent of removing 900 cars from the city for a year.

The Guardian

Under this method, Sanders gains 132,646 votes on Clinton, resulting in a net difference of 2,406,214 votes.

The Washington Post

The net difference between people leaving jobs and starting new ones — about 150,000 — is the monthly NFP number.

The Washington Post

What's interesting on that map, though, is that dark green line, indicating the net difference between births and deaths.

The Washington Post

Hagelin drew a team-high 1.5 per game while taking 0.7, a net difference of 0.8 per game.

The New York Times

Instead of clipping, Collinsworth pointed out that it was a block in the back, a net difference of two yards.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "net difference", ensure you've clearly defined the elements being compared and subtracted to arrive at the final value. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Be careful not to assume that "net difference" always means subtraction. It can also refer to a combined effect after multiple factors interact. Clarify the calculation method to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "net difference" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a quantifiable difference resulting from a calculation or comparison. Ludwig's examples show its usage across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

52%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "net difference" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe the resulting value after subtracting one quantity from another. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. It is suitable for neutral to formal registers, conveying a quantifiable difference succinctly. When using "net difference", ensure that the calculation method and the compared elements are clearly defined. Consider alternatives like "overall difference" or "final balance" based on the specific context. Common errors involve assuming it always implies subtraction, when it may represent a combined effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overall difference

Emphasizes the total disparity without necessarily implying a calculation.

net effect

Similar, but emphasizes the impact or consequence of something.

final balance

More commonly used in financial contexts, highlighting the end result of transactions.

resulting disparity

Focuses on the outcome of a comparison, often implying an inequality.

final tally

Suggests a cumulative calculation, often in numerical contexts.

actual variation

Highlights the real change or fluctuation after adjustments.

effective margin

Implies a practical or usable difference, particularly in business.

net gain

Implies a positive difference, focusing on the advantage or profit.

end result

A broader term indicating the ultimate consequence or outcome.

ultimate distinction

Highlights the conclusive point of difference after a process.

FAQs

How is "net difference" typically calculated?

The "net difference" is usually calculated by subtracting one quantity from another. This yields the remaining amount after accounting for deductions, changes, or variations between the two quantities.

What contexts is "net difference" most appropriately used in?

The phrase "net difference" is often used in financial, scientific, and statistical contexts to describe a resulting value after accounting for increases and decreases. It is useful for succinctly conveying the overall impact or change.

How does "net difference" compare to "gross difference"?

"Net difference" refers to the final difference after accounting for all relevant factors, while "gross difference" refers to the initial or total difference before any deductions or adjustments are made. The key distinction lies in whether adjustments have been applied.

What are some alternatives to using "net difference" in writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "overall difference", "final balance", or "resulting disparity". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you wish to convey.