the discrepancy between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the discrepancy between' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about two different things that do not match or agree with each other. For example, you can say: "The discrepancy between the temperature reading of the thermometer and the recorded temperature was alarming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The discrepancy between aspiration and reality is always clear.

The New York Times

It highlights the discrepancy between the sexes in Japanese society.

The New York Times

The discrepancy between the two findings was not immediately explained.

The New York Times

Ramprakash and I have discussed previously the discrepancy between his county and Test careers.

The Guardian - Sport

But the discrepancy between my service station and Honda spurred me to drill a little deeper.

The New York Times

It also ignores the discrepancy between all the different universities and different courses.

The Guardian

Things of that kind happen because of the discrepancy between national tax legislation.

The Guardian

The discrepancy between the stream count and her earnings surprised her.

The New Yorker

A Morgan Stanley spokesman could not explain the discrepancy between the two messages.

The New York Times

Like "ReSurfacing," the piece comments on the discrepancy between physical reality and perception.

The New York Times

The discrepancy between them played on Elizabeth's mind, but the conversation was a victory of sorts.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the discrepancy between", ensure you clearly define the two elements being compared to avoid ambiguity. For example: "The discrepancy between the projected budget and actual spending was significant."

Common error

Avoid using "the discrepancy between" when comparing a single item against an expected value; instead, use "discrepancy in" or "discrepancy with". For example, instead of "the discrepancy between the data", use "the discrepancy in the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the discrepancy between" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a comparison, highlighting a difference or inconsistency between two defined entities. It sets the stage for examining why those entities do not align as expected. Ludwig AI shows many examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the discrepancy between" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight differences or inconsistencies between two distinct entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly define the two items being compared to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "the difference between" or "the disparity between" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid using it with singular nouns; instead, opt for "discrepancy in" or "discrepancy with".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the disparity between

Replaces "discrepancy" with "disparity", emphasizing a difference in level or degree.

the difference between

A more general term that indicates a point or way in which things are dissimilar.

the variance between

Emphasizes the state or fact of differing or being divergent.

the inconsistency between

Highlights a lack of agreement or compatibility.

the divergence between

Focuses on the act of splitting off in different directions.

the gap between

Implies a literal or figurative space separating two things.

the contrast between

Highlights noticeable differences when things are compared.

the imbalance between

Suggests a lack of proportion or equilibrium.

the mismatch between

Highlights the lack of proper correspondence or fitting.

the contradiction between

Emphasizes a direct opposition or inconsistency.

FAQs

How can I use "the discrepancy between" in a sentence?

Use "the discrepancy between" to highlight differences or inconsistencies when comparing two distinct elements. For instance, "The discrepancy between the planned schedule and the actual progress became a concern".

What's a good alternative to "the discrepancy between"?

Consider using phrases like "the difference between", "the disparity between", or "the inconsistency between" to express similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "discrepancy of" instead of "the discrepancy between"?

While "discrepancy of" can be used, it's more common and grammatically appropriate to use "the discrepancy between" when you are comparing two specific items. Use "discrepancy of" to refer to a general lack of alignment. Example: the discrepancy of values.

What causes "the discrepancy between" two sets of data?

Discrepancies between data sets can arise from various sources, including measurement errors, differing methodologies, incomplete data, or biases in data collection. Analyzing the source of the discrepancy is crucial for accurate interpretation.