the only difference between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the only difference between' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to draw a comparison between two things, when you want to illustrate one distinct factor that sets them apart. For example: "The only difference between a rock and a mineral is that a mineral is naturally occurring and has a specific chemical composition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For example, the two words /3amal/ "camel" and /3ama:l/ "beauty", have the length of the final vowel as the only difference [8].

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

The only difference between ITR5+2SNS (which Rep2 can replicate) and ITR5+2NS (which Rep2 can not) is the ITR5 spacer (Fig. 1B).

Plosone

Interestingly, the only difference between DB75 and DB829 is the substitution in DB829 of one carbon in each of the two benzene rings for nitrogen (26).

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy

The only difference between 1 and 2 was the position of the angeloyl and hydroxyl groups.

Natural Products and Bioprospecting

The only difference between (14) and (17) is the -point FFT transformation.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The only difference in PpJAZ1 was the Asn 246, which does not exist in Arabidopsis JAZs (see Additional file 3: Text S1).

BMC Biology

This protocol provided the basis for the commercial DIGE system with the only difference that 400 pmol dye labeled 50 µg of protein.

Plosone

The age distributions were similar, and the only difference between CIN2 and lesser abnormality was the slightly steeper trend in CIN2 with increasing screening interval (P=0.07).

British Journal of Cancer

Interestingly, passive tension in R21C+/+ mice followed the active force measurements and the only difference between R21C+/+ and WT fibers was observed in the LV.

BioMed Research International

The only difference between ACSM/CDC2 and DoH is that activity should be undertaken on either most (i.e., 4 days) or 5 days a week, respectively.

Plosone

The only difference between (5) and (7) is dimension of matrices.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the only difference between", ensure that you are indeed highlighting the sole differentiating factor, as oversimplification can mislead your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "the only difference between" when multiple, albeit minor, distinctions exist; instead, acknowledge the range of variations for a more accurate representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only difference between" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a comparison, specifically highlighting the single factor that distinguishes two or more entities. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only difference between" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to pinpoint the unique distinction between entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility in written English. Although examples are missing here, the phrase serves to simplify comparisons, though care should be taken not to oversimplify complex situations. Alternatives include phrases like "the sole distinction between" and "the key differentiator between". The phrase maintains a neutral register and would appear across various contexts, especially in analytical comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole distinction between

Replaces 'only difference' with 'sole distinction', emphasizing the uniqueness of the difference.

the key differentiator between

Uses 'key differentiator' instead of 'only difference', focusing on what sets things apart in a significant way.

the one and only contrast between

Adds emphasis by stating 'one and only contrast', highlighting the singularity of the difference.

what sets apart

A more concise way to express the unique characteristic that distinguishes two things.

the single variation between

Replaces 'difference' with 'variation', suggesting a slight change or modification.

the unique aspect distinguishing

Highlights the 'unique aspect' that makes something different.

the defining characteristic separating

Focuses on the 'defining characteristic' as the key difference.

merely differing in

A more succinct way of saying that the only difference is in a specific aspect.

the only point of divergence between

Replaces difference with 'point of divergence' which is slightly more formal.

primarily distinguished by

Highlights the 'primary' distinguishing factor.

FAQs

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

You can use "the only difference between" to highlight a single, key distinction. For example, "The only difference between these two models is the battery life".

What's another way to say "the only difference between"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the sole distinction between", "the key differentiator between", or /s/what+sets+apart depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the only difference is"?

Yes, "the only difference is" is grammatically correct and often used to introduce the single differentiating factor.

What is the difference between "the main difference between" and "the only difference between"?

"The main difference between" implies that there could be other differences, but you are highlighting the most important one. Whereas, "the only difference between" emphasizes that there is no other point of distinction.