the difference is tiny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the difference is tiny" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things that have a very small distinction or variation between them. Example: "After analyzing the two products, I found that the difference is tiny, making either choice a viable option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The difference is tiny: the rate fluctuates by less than 1% between the aphelion and perihelion, the points on Earth's orbit when it is farthest and closest to the sun, respectively.

The Economist

"I think the difference is tiny between them both but I think when you look at the number of goals he has scored over the past year, then Ronaldo is the best.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The differences are tiny but illuminating.

The Guardian

But it was a huge thing to challenge your brother: if the differences were tiny, it just looks like a bad case of sibling rivalry.

The Guardian

This difference is tiny: the proton's mass is 99.86% that of the neutron, yet if they were exactly the same mass, we would not be here, as there would not have been enough hydrogen in the universe to make long-lived stars.

The Guardian

But these differences are tiny.

The New York Times - Sports

We encourage journal editors to challenge authors' conclusions, particularly when they argue they have found something unique or different than other researchers but the difference is based solely on tiny variations in CIs or p-value (statistically significant or not).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The difference is, of course, the tiny British Overseas Territory is located almost 1,500 miles from the English capital.

BBC

The differences are so tiny that the average customer could not notice.

The Guardian - Tech

The difference may be tiny, but ­Inditex claims it is significant: for the first time the Spanish group has inched past its American rival.

The Guardian - Business

"Because the chance of any individual's vote making any difference to the result is tiny, the benefits of turning an uninformed vote into an informed vote are also tiny," Mr. Harford writes.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the difference is tiny", ensure you've clearly defined the items being compared. Providing context helps the reader understand the significance (or lack thereof) of the small difference.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of a decision or situation when "the difference is tiny". For example, don't claim a groundbreaking advancement if the change is only incremental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the difference is tiny" functions as a comparative statement, indicating that the dissimilarity between two or more entities is small or insignificant. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to downplay the magnitude of a distinction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the difference is tiny" is a grammatically sound and readily usable phrase to convey that a distinction is small or unimportant. Ludwig confirms its acceptability. Appearing frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, the expression serves to minimize the significance of a divergence between comparable subjects. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in defining what is being compared to maximize comprehension. Alternatives include "the difference is minimal" or "the difference is slight".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the difference is negligible

This alternative emphasizes that the difference is so small it's practically non-existent.

the difference is minimal

This suggests that the disparity is at its lowest possible level.

the difference is slight

This term denotes a difference that's delicate and not easily perceived.

the difference is small

A basic synonym, indicating the difference lacks magnitude.

the difference is marginal

Implies the difference is so small it barely matters.

the difference is hardly noticeable

This emphasizes that the variance is difficult to detect.

the distinction is subtle

Emphasizes that the difference requires keen perception.

the variance is minuscule

This term indicates a difference of extremely small size or extent.

the gap is insignificant

Suggests the difference doesn't have a meaningful impact.

the variation is imperceptible

This highlights that the difference is practically impossible to perceive.

FAQs

What does "the difference is tiny" mean?

The phrase "the difference is tiny" means that there is a very small or insignificant distinction between two or more things being compared.

How can I use "the difference is tiny" in a sentence?

You can use "the difference is tiny" to compare nearly identical options. For example, "After the update, "the difference is tiny" between the two versions".

What are some alternatives to saying "the difference is tiny"?

You can use alternatives like "the difference is minimal", "the difference is slight", or "the difference is negligible".

Is it grammatically correct to say "the difference is tiny"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted to say "the difference is tiny" in both formal and informal contexts.