reduce the difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduce the difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ways to lessen a gap or disparity between two or more things, such as in statistics, economics, or personal relationships. Example: "Our goal is to reduce the difference in performance between the two teams by implementing targeted training programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To reduce the difference in PGV700exp caused by different earthquake types, an offset correction is needed for the attenuation relation.

Earth, Planets and Space

However, contrast adaptation did reduce the difference in orientation tuning observed between different contrasts, indicating that contrast adaptation does contribute to making orientation tuning less contrast-dependent.

Plosone

A dedicated R&D effort will reduce the difference between the calculated TBR and Net TBR.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Each node is simply nudged in the direction that would reduce the difference between the measured data and the linear regression.

University of California, Berkeley

Spectral absorption depth at 500 nm derived from spectral data obtained from 30° backscattering direction was found to reduce the difference induced by plant cultivars greatly.

Advances in Space Research

The FE models are manually tuned to reduce the difference between the natural frequencies of the analytical solutions and the natural frequencies of the FE model calculations, respectively.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Clustering tends to reduce the difference between these exponents to less than their simple integer values, most markedly for the simple clustering model.

Journal of Structural Geology

It's vital to grate the cheese as finely as possible and, as Michael Price helpfully informs me online, ensure it is as close to room temperature as possible to reduce the difference in temperature between it and the pasta.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Richmond tells what to do if you're pernickety: "If one wishes to further reduce the difference and has more patience, one can make eight pours of equal volume, four in each cup.

The Guardian

But the team considers this act to be prosocial, a white lie, when it tends to reduce the difference in opinion between two individuals and so strengthens their ties.

MIT Technology Review

Still, the law could reduce the difference in coverage levels for those who buy insurance directly in the individual market and those who get it through an employer, Ms. Collins said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "reduce the difference" between groups, clearly define the metric you're using to measure that difference. This provides focus and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "reduce the difference" without specifying the goal or endpoint. For instance, instead of saying 'we need to reduce the difference', specify 'we need to reduce the difference to below 5%'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduce the difference" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where it acts as the main action within a sentence, indicating an effort to lessen a disparity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

22%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reduce the difference" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe actions taken to lessen a disparity between two or more things. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it is most frequently used in scientific contexts, followed by news and media. Alternatives like "decrease the difference" or "lessen the difference" can be used interchangeably, depending on the specific nuance desired. When using the phrase, it's important to clearly define the metric used for measurement to avoid vagueness. Despite its varied usage, aiming for clarity in objectives is paramount to correctly employ the phrase "reduce the difference".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decrease the difference

Replaces "reduce" with "decrease", suggesting a diminishing of the difference.

lessen the difference

Uses "lessen" instead of "reduce", implying a reduction in size or intensity.

minimize the disparity

Substitutes "reduce" with "minimize" and "difference" with "disparity", focusing on reducing the lack of equality.

narrow the gap

Replaces "reduce the difference" with a more figurative expression, suggesting closing a space between two things.

mitigate the variation

Uses "mitigate" and "variation" to convey a more formal and technical reduction of differences.

bridge the divide

A more metaphorical way of saying "reduce the difference", often used in social contexts.

ameliorate the distinction

Employs "ameliorate" and "distinction" to denote an improvement by lessening the difference.

alleviate the discrepancy

Replaces "reduce" with "alleviate" and "difference" with "discrepancy", focusing on easing an inconsistency.

curtail the inequality

Uses "curtail" and "inequality" to suggest reducing the imbalance or unfairness.

shrink the divide

Uses "shrink" instead of "reduce", implying a literal reduction in size of a separation.

FAQs

How can I "reduce the difference" between two datasets?

Employ statistical methods such as normalization, standardization, or data transformation techniques to "reduce the difference" in scale or distribution between datasets.

What are some strategies to "reduce the difference" in performance between employees?

Implement targeted training programs, mentorship initiatives, and performance feedback systems to "reduce the difference" in skill levels and productivity among team members.

In what context would I use the phrase "lessen the difference" instead of "reduce the difference"?

While "reduce the difference" and "lessen the difference" are largely interchangeable, "lessen" might be preferred when discussing emotional or subjective impacts, whereas "reduce" is more common in quantifiable contexts.

Is there a significant difference in meaning between "minimize the disparity" and "reduce the difference"?

"Reduce the difference" is a general term, whereas "minimize the disparity" implies aiming for the smallest possible difference, often in situations where complete elimination is not feasible.