salient difference

USAGE SUMMARY

"salient difference" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a significant or noticeable contrast or distinction between two things or ideas. Example: The salient difference between the two political candidates was their stance on healthcare reform.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

One salient difference is that most avatars are not equipped with genitals.

The Guardian

A particularly salient difference, of course, is how each culture approaches failure.

The New York Times - Tech

When it comes to sliding, the salient difference between snow and sand is friction.

The New York Times - Travel

There may be one salient difference between the powers conferred on the Scott inquiry and on the Chilcot inquiry.

The Guardian

The salient difference, says Sean Turnell, an expert on the Burmese economy at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, is that Thailand's leaders have allowed businesses to thrive.

The New York Times

The salient difference between Madrid and Barcelona this season has been that Ronaldo, superb as he is, has never been alone.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Fig. 3 A coronal plane through the RL and liver illustrating salient differences between the four different VBDM: MC (a), LD (b), SK (c), SKD (d).

EJNMMI Physics

Our framework has also revealed salient differences in the communication of uncertainty in the different countries' NAS, reinforcing the call for a much needed more systematic communication of uncertainty (Biesbroek et al. 2010; Lourenço et al. 2009).

Climatic Change

ARCHIE AND SINK Men raised from infancy with horses could identify salient differences with a glance, but some had a keener talent for understanding equine temperament than others.

The New Yorker

Boys can now have dolls, and girls Erector sets; we agree that the salient differences between genders are social constructs, and give little leeway to those who insinuate that, say, women have less aptitude for science and engineering.

The New Yorker

There are two salient differences between them: Obama's plan is significantly more detailed than Clinton's, and Obama's plan is a reasonable approach to the problem, while Clinton's is quite possibly the worst proposal any major presidential candidate has made in decades.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "salient difference" to emphasize a particularly important or noticeable distinction. For example, "The salient difference between the two proposals is the funding mechanism."

Common error

Avoid using "salient difference" when a simpler term like "difference" or "distinction" would suffice. Overusing the word "salient" can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious. For example, instead of "A salient difference is the color", try "The main difference is the color".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "salient difference" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes a notable distinction. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is used to pinpoint key differences across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "salient difference" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to highlight a significant and noticeable distinction. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related domains. When writing, use it to emphasize key contrasts, but avoid overuse in simple comparisons where simpler terms suffice. Related phrases such as "key distinction" or "major contrast" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific emphasis desired. Understanding the appropriate register, typically neutral, will ensure its effective deployment in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key distinction

Emphasizes that the difference is crucial or fundamental.

major contrast

Highlights a significant dissimilarity between two things.

notable variation

Suggests that the difference is easily observed or recognized.

significant disparity

Implies a considerable gap or inequality between the things being compared.

marked divergence

Indicates a clear separation or departure from a common point.

critical differentiator

Highlights the difference as a deciding factor.

primary divergence

Stresses that the difference is of utmost importance.

chief discrepancy

Emphasizes the inconsistency or disagreement as being paramount.

principal difference

Highlights the primary aspect of dissimilarity.

important distinction

Focuses on the relevance and value of the difference.

FAQs

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

Use "salient difference" to highlight a significant and noticeable distinction between two or more things. For example, "The "salient difference" between the two approaches lies in their methodologies."

What are some alternatives to "salient difference"?

Alternatives include "key distinction", "major contrast", or "notable variation" depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "salient difference" or "significant difference"?

"Salient difference" emphasizes a more prominent or noticeable distinction compared to just a "significant difference". Use "salient" when you want to draw particular attention to the importance or obviousness of the difference.

What is the nuance between "salient difference" and "important difference"?

While both indicate that a difference exists, "salient difference" implies that the difference is readily apparent or stands out, whereas "important difference" simply means that the difference matters or has consequence, without necessarily being obvious.