significant difference

USAGE SUMMARY

"significant difference" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a substantial contrast or variation between two things. For example, "The results of the experiment showed a significant difference in the amount of water used during the two methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

indicate no significant difference.

Nature

There's another significant difference too.

Independent

NS, no statistically significant difference.

Nature

Is that a significant difference?

Cornell University

Reversing that would make a significant difference.

The Economist

"But is it a significant difference?

The New York Times

Fees can make a significant difference.

The New York Times

There is a significant difference, however.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

= non-significant difference.

Nature

n.s., non-significant difference.

Critical Care

*Significant difference (p-value < 0.05).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly state what two or more things are being compared and contrasted with the phrase "significant difference".

Common error

Avoid using "significant difference" when the variation is minor or negligible. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Ensure the difference is truly noteworthy before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant difference" primarily functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun (difference) to indicate that the distinction being discussed is substantial and worthy of attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant difference" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to describe a notable distinction between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is prevalent across various contexts, including science, news media, and academia. Its purpose is to highlight a contrast that is meaningful and important. When using this phrase, it's essential to quantify the difference whenever possible and avoid overstating its significance. Alternatives such as "considerable difference" or "large difference" can also be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable difference

Emphasizes the magnitude of the difference.

large difference

Highlights that the difference is substantial in size or amount.

noticeable difference

Focuses on the ease with which the difference can be observed.

important difference

Stresses the relevance or significance of the difference.

substantial variation

Replaces "difference" with "variation" emphasizing change or deviation.

marked contrast

Uses "contrast" instead of "difference" suggesting a strong opposition.

major discrepancy

Employs "discrepancy" to highlight inconsistency or disagreement.

distinct divergence

Indicates a clear separation or deviation in direction.

pronounced disparity

Uses "disparity" to denote inequality or difference in condition.

notable distinction

Replaces "difference" with "distinction" emphasizing clarity and definition.

FAQs

How is "significant difference" used in statistical analysis?

In statistical analysis, a "significant difference" indicates that the observed variation between two groups or variables is unlikely to have occurred by chance. This is typically determined through hypothesis testing and p-values.

What are some phrases similar to "significant difference"?

You can use phrases like "considerable difference", "large difference", or "noticeable difference" to convey a similar meaning depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "significant difference" in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, use "significant difference" when statistical tests confirm that the observed differences between experimental groups are unlikely due to random variation and are therefore meaningful.

What's the difference between "significant difference" and "statistically significant difference"?

"Significant difference" generally implies a notable or important distinction, while "statistically significant difference" specifically refers to a difference that has been confirmed through statistical analysis to be unlikely due to chance. The latter has a precise technical meaning.