the notable difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the notable difference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when highlighting a significant distinction between two or more items, concepts, or situations. Example: "In comparing the two products, the notable difference lies in their energy efficiency ratings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead the notable difference in pain sensitivity that developed over time for the different COMTval158met genotypes was discussed per se.

Plosone

The notable difference between the parties is who pays for the credits.

The Guardian

The notable difference this time is the underlying business models of many companies, he says.

The New York Times

The notable difference this season, so far, is better health, physical and mental, players and coaches said.

The New York Times - Sports

The staging is a sleek, stylish affair, but, in its blending of the mundane and the dreamlike, it's hardly a radical break from the Sellars, with the notable difference that the emotional temperature is significantly lower.

The New Yorker

An analogous formula to that in equation (1) holds for the normalization of the B0 µ+µ− decay, with the notable difference that the fd/fs factor is replaced by fd/fu = 1.

Nature

In the classrooms it was as it ever was — with the notable difference (from my grade-school days, at least) that the pupils are expected to provide the class with much of its supplies.

The New York Times

Michael Froomkin, a law professor at University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, likens the roiling in the wine industry to the disruption over copyright that caused friction in publishing and music with the notable difference that the wine industry must deal with a Constitutional amendment regulating its trade.

MIT Technology Review

The tale of the Klimt paintings is similar to many claims over looted Nazi art in the last two decades, with the notable difference that these canvases are monuments of 20th-century Austrian culture, and an integral part of the nation's artistic patrimony.

The New York Times - Arts

The notable difference was the "class has many dependencies" driver.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

The notable difference is that these two GPS units use Google Local search instead Yahoo Local search.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "the notable difference" with quantifiable measures to give a clear and objective view of a comparison's key differentiator.

Common error

Avoid using "the notable difference" repetitively in close proximity within your text. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing the sentence to provide a more engaging reading experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the notable difference" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object within a sentence. It serves to identify a key distinction between two or more entities or concepts. Ludwig examples show its consistent use in various contexts to introduce a significant point of divergence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the notable difference" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for highlighting key distinctions across various domains. As confirmed by Ludwig, it maintains grammatical correctness and is particularly prevalent in scientific and news media contexts. While synonyms like "the significant distinction" and "the key distinction" can offer variety, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with the intended emphasis. Understanding its proper usage and avoiding overuse can significantly enhance writing clarity and impact. This phrase is most effective when introduced after sufficient context has been provided, and the distinction being highlighted is indeed significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the significant distinction

Emphasizes a clear and important distinction, highlighting a factual difference.

the key distinction

Focuses on the most important differentiating factor.

the main contrast

Highlights a clear opposition or dissimilarity.

the striking contrast

Indicates a difference that is easily noticeable and impactful.

the principal disparity

Points out a fundamental divergence between two or more things.

the primary variation

Focuses on the original or most important variant.

the major divergence

Implies a considerable split or deviation.

the critical deviation

Indicates a crucial difference that could have important implications.

the marked differentiation

Refers to a clear and obvious distinction that sets things apart.

the outstanding feature

Emphasizes a particular trait or aspect that is prominently different.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "the notable difference" in a sentence?

Use "the notable difference" to highlight a key distinction after you have provided context for comparison. For example, "While both models offer similar features, "the notable difference" lies in their battery life."

What are some alternatives to "the notable difference"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the key distinction", "the main contrast", or "the significant distinction".

Is it always necessary to use "the notable difference" when pointing out differences?

No, it is not always necessary. The choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to place on the distinction. Sometimes, simpler phrasing like "the main point" or "importantly" may suffice.

How does "the notable difference" compare to "the main difference" in usage?

"The notable difference" often implies that the difference is not only significant but also worthy of special attention or is easily observed, whereas "the main difference" simply points out the primary distinction without necessarily implying that it is particularly striking.