so the difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so the difference" is not complete on its own and may require additional context to be fully correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are about to explain or clarify a distinction or contrast between two or more things. Example: "I compared the two products, and so the difference lies in their durability and price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So the difference between his view and mine is entirely down to our differing interpretations of the public interest.

The Guardian

So, the difference is 4% a year.

Yale University

So the difference is less than 0.2%.

Cornell University

So the difference is that light doesn't go through walls.

Cornell University

So the difference between the neighbours couldn't have been starker.

The Guardian

So the difference is mostly attributable to Democrats.

The Washington Post

So the difference is any place can have them, but they have local aspects and effects.

Cornell University

And so the difference between one, two, three, five it's in the relative firing range.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And as they did so, the difference in styles became more glaringly apparent than ever.

The Guardian - Sport

Malaysian Airlines charges £825 for similar dates, so the difference is not that great.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

So the differences among them are really small.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "so the difference", ensure the context clearly establishes what two or more elements are being compared. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "so the difference" without explicitly stating what is being compared. For example, instead of saying "So the difference is significant", specify "So the difference between method A and method B is significant".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so the difference" functions as a transitional phrase, introducing an explanation or clarification of a distinction. Ludwig AI indicates it is a common way to connect a preceding statement to the explanation of a difference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

33%

Science

29%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so the difference" is a versatile transitional phrase used to introduce an explanation of a distinction or contrast. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "hence the distinction" or "that's the difference between" exist, "so the difference" maintains a neutral register suitable for many writing styles. To use it effectively, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the elements being compared. Ludwig indicates that this is a valid conjunction phrase to connect two sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's the difference between

This option is very close in meaning but slightly more direct and less introductory.

hence the distinction

This option provides a more formal and concise way to introduce the difference, implying a logical consequence.

thus the variance

This option uses a slightly more technical term, 'variance', suggesting a statistical or measurable difference.

therefore the contrast

This alternative emphasizes the opposition or dissimilarity between the elements being compared.

accordingly the divergence

This phrase is suitable when highlighting a deviation or separation from a common point.

that's the disparity

The term 'disparity' suggests a noticeable and often unfair difference.

that explains the gap

Highlights that a specific gap or interval between two things can be explained.

that pinpoints the distinction

This emphasizes finding a specific point of difference

the variation lies in

This option is a more descriptive way to indicate where the difference is located.

that marks the divide

This option is more figurative, implying a significant separation or boundary.

FAQs

How can I use "so the difference" in a sentence?

Use "so the difference" to introduce an explanation of the distinction between two or more things, for example: "We compared the two models, and "so the difference" lies in their efficiency".

What's a formal alternative to "so the difference"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "hence the distinction" or "thus the variance" for a more sophisticated tone.

What can I say instead of "so the difference"?

You can use alternatives like "that's the difference between", "therefore the contrast", or "that explains the gap" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "so the difference" when comparing two things?

No, it's not always necessary. You can directly state the difference using phrases like "The key difference is", or "The main distinction is" for more directness. "So the difference" is often used to introduce a more elaborate explanation.