reconcile a difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reconcile a difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of resolving a disagreement or conflict between parties. Example: "In order to move forward, we need to reconcile a difference in our opinions about the project direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It is difficult to reconcile a difference of such magnitude," the report said.

The New York Times

How do the dueling demographic experts reconcile a difference, as of Monday, of 28 million, which is more than all the people in Saudi Arabia?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

After sharing the comments with one another, the group met to consider the points made by each of the eight reviewers (of steps 2 and 3) in order to reconcile any differences in opinion, a process proposed by Geisinger [ 12].

BMC Geriatrics

Both researchers then met to reconcile any differences.

International Journal of STEM Education

I worked for McDonough at the time, and while I found his vision to be inspiring, I struggled to reconcile the differences between a building that is "alive" and a building "like a tree," the language shifting back and forth between fact and metaphor, life and like life.

Huffington Post

PAGE B7 Abortion Curb Moves Ahead A ban on a type of late-term abortion moved one step closer to reality when the Senate agreed to send its version of the bill to a conference committee to reconcile differences with a House version.

The New York Times

In addition, other methods that reconcile differences between a gene tree and a species tree to infer duplication, transfer, and loss events often require fully binary trees a condition that is often not met in comparative genomic analyses of closely related taxa where there may be poor phylogenetic resolution at the level of the individual gene.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Animals from dung beetles to chimpanzees fight each other, but the ability to reconcile differences after a spat was once considered a uniquely human trait.

Science Magazine

The ability to reconcile differences after a spat was once considered a uniquely human trait, but researchers have since observed it in more than 30 primate species and even among birds.

Science Magazine

Due to the large number of EIS, it is a challenge to compare and reconcile their differences and gain a comprehensive view of their utility.

Ecological Indicators

But the Democrats could not reconcile their differences, and a compromise candidate had to be found.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reconcile a difference", ensure that you clearly identify the difference being addressed and the method of resolution. Providing context helps to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "reconcile a difference" when simply acknowledging a difference without any attempt to resolve it. This phrase implies an active effort to bring two opposing viewpoints or sets of data into agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reconcile a difference" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action taken to resolve a conflict, discrepancy, or inconsistency. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies an effort to bring differing elements into agreement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reconcile a difference" is a grammatically sound and contextually appropriate expression used to describe the process of resolving disagreements or discrepancies. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate in the English language. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While not extremely common, its use is consistent and effective. To improve clarity, specify the difference being addressed. Alternatives like "resolve a discrepancy" or "settle a dispute" may offer greater precision in certain scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve an inconsistency

Highlights the act of addressing an incongruity.

resolve a discrepancy

Focuses on resolving inconsistencies or disagreements in data or information.

settle a dispute

Emphasizes the act of resolving an argument or conflict.

iron out a disagreement

Suggests smoothing over a minor disagreement.

work through a conflict

Emphasizes the process of addressing and resolving a disagreement.

bridge a gap

Focuses on overcoming a division or disparity.

harmonize conflicting views

Highlights the act of bringing different opinions into agreement.

find common ground

Emphasizes discovering shared beliefs or interests.

bring into accord

Focuses on achieving agreement or harmony.

adjust conflicting data

Centers on modifying data to eliminate discrepancies.

FAQs

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

You can use "reconcile a difference" when you want to express that you are trying to resolve a disagreement or conflict. For example, "It is difficult to "reconcile a difference" of such magnitude."

What's a good alternative to "reconcile a difference"?

Alternatives to "reconcile a difference" include "resolve a discrepancy", "settle a dispute", or "iron out a disagreement".

What does it mean to "reconcile a difference"?

To "reconcile a difference" means to find a way to make two things that are different or in conflict compatible or consistent. It implies an effort to resolve the discrepancy.

Is it appropriate to use "reconcile a difference" in formal writing?

Yes, "reconcile a difference" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe the process of resolving disagreements or discrepancies. However, consider alternatives like "resolve an inconsistency" for greater precision depending on the context.