question the difference between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question the difference between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing or analyzing distinctions between two or more concepts, ideas, or items. Example: "In our discussion, we should question the difference between subjective and objective perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But advocates for tighter limits on corporate influence question the difference between donations of cash and real estate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some presidents have continued to repress journalists and political rivals, leaving people to question the differences between dictatorship and democracy.

The New York Times

While "bailout" was not a term in question, the differences between Democrats and Republicans on economic policies loomed large in regard to tax and budget policies that would be fair to the poor, the middle class, and minorities.

Huffington Post

For this question, the differences between large, medium, and small population states were relatively small (88%, 70 %, 70, respectively).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

But, facing the seemingly limitless freedom of depiction, Kiarostami ingeniously reverses the equation; starting with the title and continuing with the very first shot, he questions the difference between simulation and reality, between imitation and being.

The New Yorker

He begins with the admission, in Arabic, that, "in theater, everything belongs to fiction," and questions the difference between "he" and "I," which, in this case, are one and the same, with Yasser representing both himself and an actor.

The New Yorker

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Vice

In this assignment I asked students to discuss three questions: the difference between the Greek and biblical motivation for an ethical life; the strengths and weaknesses of each motivational system; and the student's opinion as to which system would be more effective in motivating ethical behavior, and discussing the reasons why.

Huffington Post

Some participants questioned the difference between "agree" and "strongly agree" (and vice versa for disagree).

BMC Palliative Care

For these questions, the difference between carer responses on the first and second completion of the PCQ-C tended to be a shift to the neighbouring response option, for example, from 'good' to 'very good'.

BMC Health Services Research

When the discrepancy variable was recalculated to include those with missing data for both questions the difference between TELIC 1 and Era was reduced to 12.6% versus 13.7% and became less significant (p = 0.11).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "question the difference between" to introduce a critical analysis or to challenge assumptions about seemingly similar concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "question the difference between" when the categories being compared are not mutually exclusive or have significant overlap. This can lead to a muddled or less meaningful analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question the difference between" functions as an interrogative phrase that introduces a critical examination or analysis. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, highlighting its suitability for analytical contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "question the difference between" serves as a prompt for critical analysis and examination of distinctions. As Ludwig AI states, it is a correct and usable phrase suitable for analytical contexts. While not exceptionally frequent, its presence in reputable sources like the New York Times, The Guardian, and various scientific publications indicates its appropriateness in formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the compared entities are well-defined to facilitate a meaningful analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

examine the distinction between

Focuses on a formal analysis of the differences.

analyze the variance between

Emphasizes a statistical or detailed analysis of differences.

investigate the disparity between

Highlights a more in-depth exploration of unequal differences.

consider the contrast between

Implies a thoughtful comparison of opposing characteristics.

explore the nuances between

Suggests a search for subtle differences.

delve into the comparison of

Focuses on deeply exploring the comparison.

scrutinize the dissimilarities between

Highlights a critical and detailed examination of differences.

ponder the divergence between

Indicates careful consideration of how things split or differ.

weigh the relative merits of

Focuses on assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each.

assess the comparative aspects of

Refers to a careful evaluation of different features.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "question the difference between"?

You can use alternatives like "examine the distinction between", "analyze the variance between", or "investigate the disparity between" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "question the difference between" in writing?

Use "question the difference between" when you want to critically analyze or challenge the assumed differences between two or more concepts or entities. It's suitable for academic, analytical, or argumentative writing.

What's the difference between "question the difference between" and "what is the difference between"?

"Question the difference between" implies a deeper, more analytical inquiry, while "what is the difference between" is a more straightforward request for information. The former suggests a critical examination, the latter, a simple informational query.

Is "question the difference between" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "question the difference between" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts where critical analysis and evaluation are required. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall communication style.