slight difference between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight difference between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more items, indicating that there is a minor distinction among them. Example: "There is a slight difference between the two models, mainly in their battery life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the Conservatives, the slight difference between the way different Labour politicians define and explain the party's view on Trident provides an opportunity to reinforce their macro-theme of Labour = chaos.

The Guardian

However, the slight difference between the catalyst performances might be ascribed to the different immobilization target area of each method.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

Because varies as ∼ℓ3, a slight difference between ℓ e and ℓ h can lead to very different values for and.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The slight difference between TaNAC29 and W5BNH0 may be a result of the different wheat cultivars used.

BMC Plant Biology

This paper highlights how the seemingly slight difference between our metric and others could cause partitions to be evaluated considerably differently.

Stanford University

Yet there remains a slight difference between the Christians and the other religious groups.

The New York Times - Magazine

We only detected a slight difference between the weakest SS levels at these two sites.

Journal of Biomechanics

There is a slight difference between a direct exposure to commodities and owning energy or basic materials stocks.

The New York Times

Any long-term study of the W.H.I. type often detects only a slight difference between groups it is comparing.

The New York Times

Giovanni Ciriani wondered about the comparison: was there a slight difference between the two problems?

The New York Times

There was a slight difference between the land, the sky, and the sea, but they were all just varying levels of blackness".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "slight difference between", ensure that the context clearly identifies the items being compared. This helps avoid ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "slight difference between" when the difference is actually substantial. Using it to downplay a major distinction can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight difference between" functions as a noun phrase. It typically introduces a comparison, highlighting a minor distinction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and commonly used expression. The examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

39%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slight difference between" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a minor distinction in a comparison. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing its presence across various domains, including science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure that the objects of comparison are clearly defined. Be mindful not to overstate the significance of the difference. Alternatives such as "minor distinction between" or "subtle variation between" may be used to provide subtle variations in meaning. The phrase is generally suitable for neutral communication and formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor distinction between

Emphasizes the smallness of the difference using "distinction" instead of "difference".

subtle variation between

Highlights the understated nature of the difference using "variation" instead of "difference".

marginal contrast between

Indicates that the difference is at the edge of being significant using "contrast" instead of "difference".

small disparity between

Uses "disparity" to convey a slight inequality or difference.

negligible difference between

Stresses the insignificance of the difference.

faint demarcation between

Emphasizes the boundary or limit where the difference lies, using "demarcation".

minimal divergence between

Focuses on the point at which things start to differ, using "divergence".

tiny differentiation between

Highlights the act of distinguishing, using "differentiation".

inconspicuous contrast between

Highlights the not easily noticeable difference between things.

hairline gap between

Indicates the presence of extremely small difference between things.

FAQs

How can I use "slight difference between" in a sentence?

Use "slight difference between" to indicate a minor distinction when comparing two or more things. For example, "There's a slight difference between the two reports in their conclusions."

What's the difference between "slight difference between" and "minor difference between"?

"Slight difference between" and "minor difference between" are very similar. While both indicate a small distinction, "slight difference between" might suggest a more subtle distinction than "minor difference between".

What can I say instead of "slight difference between"?

You can use alternatives like "minor distinction between", "subtle variation between", or "marginal contrast between" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "slightly different between" instead of "slight difference between"?

While "slightly different" is grammatically correct, "slight difference between" emphasizes the existence of a difference as a noun phrase. "Slightly different" functions as an adverb modifying an adjective.