substantial difference

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial difference" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you need to describe a large, important difference between two things or situations. For example, "The upgraded model of the car has a substantial difference in power from the original."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a substantial difference between the two".

The New York Times

Moving can mean a substantial difference.

The New York Times

The most substantial difference is related to the substances involved.

The Guardian

Their decisions make a substantial difference in the art's value.

The New York Times

The only substantial difference between them, in aggregate, was their daily activity levels.

The New Yorker

For each parameter, there was a substantial difference between the sexes.

The New Yorker

Yet students of Whitehall observe a substantial difference between what Thatcher said and Blair has done.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there was a substantial difference between those days and these.

The Guardian

The development "will make a substantial difference to the shortfall in London," he added.

The Guardian - Business

"There is a very substantial difference in terms of who's running this firm," Mr. Ranieri said.

The New York Times

Putin must know the substantial difference in approach between candidates Al Gore and George W. Bush.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial difference", quantify the difference if possible to provide a clearer understanding of its magnitude. For example, instead of saying "There's a substantial difference in price", specify "There's a substantial difference in price, with the new model costing 30% more."

Common error

Avoid using "substantial difference" when the difference is minor or insignificant. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility. Ensure the difference genuinely warrants the descriptor "substantial".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial difference" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate a significant or notable dissimilarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial difference" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to highlight significant distinctions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequency across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's essential to quantify the difference when possible and avoid overstating its significance. Alternatives like ""significant disparity"" or "considerable variation" can offer more nuanced descriptions. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively use the phrase "substantial difference" to convey meaningful distinctions in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant disparity

Emphasizes the inequality or lack of similarity between two things.

considerable variation

Focuses on the range or extent of the difference.

marked contrast

Highlights the noticeable and distinct nature of the difference.

major distinction

Indicates a key and important difference.

notable divergence

Stresses the point at which two things begin to differ or separate.

pronounced difference

Highlights how clearly visible or obvious the difference is.

appreciable distinction

Focuses on the quality of being easily perceived or noticed.

meaningful difference

Underscores the importance and relevance of the difference.

evident difference

Focuses on how easily the difference can be seen or understood.

important distinction

Emphasizes the relevance and significance of the difference.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial difference" to highlight a significant distinction between two or more things. For example, "There is a "significant disparity" in the test scores between the two groups."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "substantial difference"?

Alternatives to "substantial difference" include phrases like ""significant disparity"", "considerable variation", and "marked contrast", each emphasizing a different aspect of the difference.

Is it appropriate to use "substantial difference" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantial difference" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it accurately conveys the magnitude of the difference you're describing. Using quantifiable data alongside the phrase can strengthen its impact.

What's the difference between "substantial difference" and ""significant disparity""?

While both phrases indicate a considerable difference, "substantial difference" is a general term. "Significant disparity" often implies an imbalance or inequality between the compared items. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.