the big difference between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the big difference between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two or more things to highlight a significant distinction. Example: "The big difference between cats and dogs is their behavior and how they interact with humans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This slightly different model should not affect the conclusions given the big difference between CAT and LG.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

That was the big difference between them".

The New York Times

They were the big difference between 2011 to 2015.

The Guardian - Sport

That's the big difference between Manet and Hugo.

The Guardian

That's the big difference between Abraham Lincoln and you".

The New Yorker

So why the big difference between Canadian and American ads?

The New York Times

This is the big difference between now and 1993.

The New York Times

What has been the big difference between the two jobs?

The New York Times

"That's the big difference between us and them".

The New York Times - Science

But union leaders say the big difference between union and nonunion workers comes in benefits.

The New York Times

The Midshipmen, again, also had to explain the big difference between the two programs.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the big difference between" to emphasize the most important distinction, and follow with specific details to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "the big difference between" for trivial or insignificant variations. Reserve it for substantial and impactful distinctions.

Linguistic Context

The big difference between functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a comparison, highlighting a significant distinction between two or more entities. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples in varied contexts, confirming its role in emphasizing key differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the big difference between" is a commonly used prepositional phrase to emphasize a significant distinction between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and science. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, consider stronger alternatives like "the major distinction between" for enhanced impact. Remember to use the phrase to highlight substantial differences and avoid trivial comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the major distinction between

Replaces "big" with "major", emphasizing the importance of the difference.

the significant contrast between

Substitutes "difference" with "contrast", highlighting opposing features.

the key distinction between

Uses "key" to indicate that the difference is crucial or essential.

the primary divergence between

Replaces "difference" with "divergence", suggesting a branching apart or deviation.

the notable variation between

Substitutes "difference" with "variation", focusing on a change or deviation.

the fundamental disparity between

Uses "disparity" to emphasize inequality or difference.

the marked difference between

Emphasizes that the difference is easily noticeable or distinct.

the principal distinction between

Indicates that the difference is the most important or main one.

the main differentiation between

Uses "differentiation" to focus on the act of distinguishing.

the outstanding contrast between

Highlights that the contrast is prominent and easily recognized.

FAQs

How can I use "the big difference between" in a sentence?

You can use "the big difference between" to highlight a significant distinction between two or more things. For example, "The big difference between cats and dogs is their level of independence."

What's a good alternative to "the big difference between"?

Alternatives include "the major distinction between", "the significant contrast between", or "the key distinction between", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the big difference between" in formal writing?

Yes, "the big difference between" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using alternatives like "the primary divergence between" or "the fundamental disparity between" for a more sophisticated tone.

What is "the big difference between" comparing two similar items?

When comparing similar items, using "the big difference between" helps to spotlight the most important and noticeable variation, helping readers focus on the critical aspects that set them apart.