small difference

USAGE SUMMARY

"small difference" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you can use it to describe a subtle difference between two things or ideas, such as "There is a small difference between a house and an apartment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may seem only a small difference.

The Economist

It's a small difference, but crucial.

The New York Times - Arts

There is one small difference between us.

The Guardian - Travel

Freud called it the "narcissism of small difference".

The Guardian

There's a very small difference between life and death".

The Guardian - Music

This is a small difference, but a notable one.

The New York Times

It is a small difference that signifies major change.

The New York Times

There is a small difference of opinion on his progress.

The New York Times - Sports

The exchange rate made only a small difference".

The Guardian

And this, you will agree, is not a small difference.

The Guardian

Kyoto, a preliminary agreement, will make but a small difference.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small difference", quantify it if possible to enhance clarity. For instance, specify "a small difference of 5%" rather than just "a small difference."

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the effect of a "small difference". Ensure your writing accurately reflects its limited significance to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small difference" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "difference". It describes the magnitude or extent of a distinction between two or more items. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "small difference" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a minor distinction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. Its usage spans various contexts, but is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific sources, indicating a neutral register. When using "small difference", consider quantifying it for enhanced clarity and avoid exaggerating its impact. Alternatives like "slight variation" or "minor distinction" can provide subtle variations in meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately incorporate "small difference" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight variation

Emphasizes the change or deviation more than the magnitude.

minor distinction

Highlights the separateness of the items being compared, with a focus on its unimportance.

subtle nuance

Focuses on an almost imperceptible quality or detail.

marginal difference

Implies that the difference is at the edge or limit of what's significant.

negligible disparity

Highlights that the difference is so small that it doesn't matter.

inconsequential variation

Indicates the change has no real impact or importance.

tiny distinction

Stresses the extremely reduced size of the difference.

barely perceptible difference

Underscores how difficult it is to notice the difference.

minimal divergence

Focuses on the act of moving apart or differing, but to a very limited extent.

hairline difference

Compares the difference to something as fine as a hairline, showing its subtlety.

FAQs

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

You can use "small difference" to highlight a subtle distinction between two things. For example: "There's a "small difference" in the ingredients, but it significantly alters the taste."

What can I say instead of "small difference"?

You can use alternatives like "slight variation", "minor distinction", or "subtle nuance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "small difference" or "slight difference"?

Both ""small difference"" and "slight difference" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Small difference" focuses on the magnitude, while "slight difference" emphasizes subtlety.

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

"Small difference" indicates a minor distinction, while "significant difference" implies a notable and important distinction. They are antonyms and should be used to accurately reflect the magnitude of the distinction being described.