opportunity to make a difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'opportunity to make a difference' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a chance to have an impact or to influence a situation. For example, "Volunteering in the community gives me the opportunity to make a difference in other people's lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet, despite language barriers and different customs, there is opportunity to make a difference.

The Economist

You have an opportunity to make a difference.

The Guardian

"I have a unique opportunity to make a difference here".

The New York Times

"You have an opportunity to make a difference," Cahill said.

The New Yorker

It wasn't the opportunity to make a difference that appealed to me," he recalls.

The Guardian

I want an opportunity to make a difference in students' lives.

The New York Times

For the Shaffers, opening their home was an opportunity to make a difference to a child.

The New York Times

Every so often we're presented with an opportunity to make a difference.

The New York Times - Sports

"Like everybody else [who came back], I felt there was an opportunity to make a difference.

The Guardian

"I am an entrepreneur, and I saw an opportunity to make a difference".

The New York Times

"We had the opportunity to make a difference in a poor area," Mr. Bruggink said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When highlighting the potential for impact, use "opportunity to make a difference" to emphasize the positive outcome of actions. For instance, "Volunteering provides an "opportunity to make a difference" in the lives of others."

Common error

Avoid using "opportunity to make a difference" when describing situations where impact is unlikely or uncertain. Ensure the context reflects genuine potential for positive change. Don't say "There's an "opportunity to make a difference" by ignoring this", but instead use it when the contribution makes something better.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opportunity to make a difference" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies a specific possibility or occasion where one can have a positive impact. The Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opportunity to make a difference" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to highlight a chance to have a positive impact. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, it signals a potential for positive influence, motivating action. While versatile, ensure its usage aligns with genuine prospects for change, avoiding passive contexts where impact is uncertain. Remember, this phrase encapsulates the essence of positive influence and should be wielded with contexts reflecting genuine betterment and contribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chance to contribute meaningfully

This emphasizes the act of contributing, highlighting the significance of the contribution.

scope to create an impact

Focuses on the extent of influence possible, using "scope" to suggest breadth.

avenue for positive change

Highlights the pathway or method through which change can be achieved.

potential to influence outcomes

Stresses the power to affect results, focusing on the impact on the final result.

occasion to improve matters

Suggests a specific instance where things can be made better, focusing on betterment.

prospect of making a difference

Emphasizes the expectation or anticipation of creating a change, highlighting the future possibility.

opening to shape the future

Focuses on the ability to mold or direct what is to come, highlighting influence over time.

leverage to effect change

Highlights the power or means to bring about change, emphasizing control and force.

way to leave a mark

Focuses on making a lasting impression or contribution, stressing legacy and remembrance.

window to impact society

Implies a limited time or special period to affect a broader community.

FAQs

How can I use "opportunity to make a difference" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to describe a situation that allows someone to have a positive impact. For example, "This project provides a unique "opportunity to make a difference" in the community".

What is a similar phrase to "opportunity to make a difference"?

Similar phrases include "chance to contribute meaningfully", "scope to create an impact", or "avenue for positive change". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "opportunity to make a difference" or "opportunities to make a difference"?

The choice between singular and plural depends on whether you are referring to one specific chance or multiple possibilities. Use "opportunity" for a single instance and "opportunities" for multiple instances.

What's the difference between "opportunity to make a difference" and "opportunity to make a change"?

"Opportunity to make a difference" implies a positive impact, while "opportunity to make a change" simply means altering something, without necessarily improving it. The first emphasizes betterment, while the second simply denotes alteration.