quite a difference

USAGE SUMMARY

'quite a difference' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is significantly different than something else. For example, "The new model of car has quite a difference in performance from the old model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's quite a difference," he said, "just with a different hook".

The New York Times

"There is often quite a difference between the types of parties I get to play at during different times of the year.

Vice

First, there seems to be quite a difference between the attitudes of users and non-users of Sydney Trains towards different aspects of driverless trains.

Urban Rail Transit

Quite a difference.

Forbes

"What you eat makes quite a difference.

The New York Times - Health

This can make quite a difference.

The Guardian

"Quite a difference," he said.

The New York Times

But we found quite a difference.

The Guardian - Money

"Quite a difference," Mrs. Chamberlain said.

The New York Times

Quite a difference from the situation in Iraq.

The New York Times

Also, it makes quite a difference whether there was a Holocaust or not.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite a difference," provide specific examples or data to illustrate the magnitude of the distinction, making your statement more compelling and credible.

Common error

Avoid using "quite a difference" when the distinction is minor or insignificant, as this can undermine your credibility and make your writing seem exaggerated. Instead, reserve this phrase for truly substantial variations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite a difference" functions as an emphasizer, highlighting a significant distinction or variation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly points out a notable dissimilarity. It emphasizes the magnitude of the difference being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite a difference" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize a significant distinction between two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively highlights notable dissimilarities. It's versatile, fitting in neutral registers and frequently appearing in contexts such as news, science and academia. To maximize impact, pair the phrase with specific examples that demonstrate the scale of the difference. Although used very frequently, it’s important to not exaggerate minor distinctions, in such cases using it could be misleading.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant disparity

Focuses on the extent to which things are unequal, emphasizing magnitude.

substantial variation

Highlights the range of difference, underlining the degree of change or deviation.

marked contrast

Emphasizes a clear and easily noticeable distinction.

noticeable distinction

Focuses on the ease with which one can observe the difference.

considerable divergence

Stresses the act of moving in different directions or differing from a norm.

distinct deviation

Highlights departure from a standard or expected course.

appreciable gap

Emphasizes the measurable or estimable distance between two points or values.

major discrepancy

Focuses on inconsistencies or contradictions that are large and impactful.

palpable alteration

Highlights a change that is easily sensed or perceived.

remarkable shift

Emphasizes a notable change in position, direction, or tendency.

FAQs

How can I use "quite a difference" in a sentence?

You can use "quite a difference" to highlight a significant distinction between two things. For example: "There's "quite a difference" between a leisurely stroll and a purposeful march."

What are some alternatives to "quite a difference"?

Alternatives to "quite a difference" include "significant disparity", "substantial variation", or "marked contrast", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "quite a difference"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "quite a difference" is a common and accepted way to express that there is a notable distinction between two things.

What's the difference between "quite a difference" and "a slight difference"?

"Quite a difference" indicates a significant or substantial distinction, while "a slight difference" suggests that the distinction is minimal or barely noticeable. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you're describing.