subtle difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subtle difference" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small but important distinction between two things. For example, "There was a subtle difference between the colors of the apples, although they both appeared to be green."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Subtle difference, different performance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There's a subtle difference".

The New York Times - Style

That's not a subtle difference".

The New York Times - Books

It is a subtle difference.

The New York Times - Food

The subtle difference: the letter "h".

The New York Times

It's just a subtle difference between them.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Two subtle differences were observed between the different constructs tested.

Biochemistry

Notice the subtle differences?

The New Yorker

Very subtle differences.

The Guardian - Film

There are subtle differences, though.

The New York Times - Tech

Then, gradually, subtle differences emerge.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subtle difference" when you want to highlight a distinction that isn't immediately obvious and requires careful consideration to appreciate fully.

Common error

Avoid using "subtle difference" when the distinction is actually quite significant or easily noticeable. Using a stronger term like "major difference" or "clear contrast" would be more appropriate in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subtle difference" functions as a noun phrase, where "subtle" modifies the noun "difference". It commonly denotes a distinction that is not immediately apparent but exists upon closer examination. Ludwig examples confirm its role in highlighting minor variations across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subtle difference" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a minor but potentially significant distinction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's common in academic, news, and scientific contexts, highlighting its versatility. When using "subtle difference", ensure the nuance genuinely warrants attention and avoid overstating the subtlety when the distinction is more pronounced. Related phrases include "slight distinction", "fine distinction", and "minor variation", offering alternatives depending on the desired degree of emphasis. The frequency of use and consistent grammatical correctness across various reputable sources solidify its reliability and appropriateness in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight distinction

Emphasizes a minor difference, maintaining a neutral tone.

fine distinction

Highlights a difference that requires careful observation to detect.

minor variation

Focuses on a small change or deviation from a norm.

nuance

Refers to a subtle quality or distinction in a situation or characteristic.

delicate nuance

Suggests a highly refined and understated distinction.

hairline fracture

Metaphorically indicates a small or barely perceptible divergence.

marginal difference

Highlights a difference so small it's close to the margin of being insignificant.

technicality

Focuses on a minor detail or formal point, often legalistic.

inconsequential distinction

Underscores that the variance is negligible and of little real consequence.

trivial difference

Highlights that the differentiation is unimportant or insignificant.

FAQs

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

You can use "subtle difference" to point out a distinction that is not immediately apparent. For example, "There's a "subtle difference" between the two shades of blue".

What's the difference between ""subtle difference"" and "obvious difference"?

A ""subtle difference"" is not immediately noticeable and requires careful observation, while an "obvious difference" is easily seen or understood.

What are some alternatives to saying ""subtle difference""?

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

Is it always necessary to highlight a ""subtle difference""?

No, only highlight it if the distinction is important for understanding or decision-making. If the difference is irrelevant, it's best not to mention it.