there is a difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "There is a difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a statement that can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, you might say, "There is a difference between what I thought would happen and what actually happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a difference.

The New York Times

Because there is a difference.

The New York Times

Still, there is a difference.

The New Yorker

But there is a difference.

Forbes

There is a difference in perspective.

The New York Times - Arts

This season, especially, there is a difference.

The New Yorker

But there is a difference now.

The New York Times

But this time there is a difference.

The New York Times

But there is a difference between them.

The Economist

But there is a difference, researchers say.

The New York Times - Health

No, there is a difference.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is a difference" to clearly and directly point out a distinction between two or more subjects. This phrase is particularly effective when clarifying potential misunderstandings or emphasizing key distinctions.

Common error

Avoid using "there is a difference" when the distinction is trivial or self-evident. Overusing the phrase for minor points can dilute its impact and make your writing seem pedantic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a difference" primarily functions as an existential clause introducing a statement of distinction. This phrase highlights that two or more entities are not the same. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable in written English and examples can be found in contexts ranging from informal conversation to formal academic writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there is a difference" is a versatile phrase used to highlight distinctions across various contexts. Grammatically sound and very common, as validated by Ludwig AI, it serves to clarify misunderstandings or emphasize key points. While adaptable, it's best used when the difference is significant enough to warrant attention, avoiding overuse for trivial distinctions. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, highlighting its role in conveying neutral information, with science and wiki articles also providing relevant use cases. When a more specific distinction is needed, consider alternatives like "a distinction exists" or "it differs" to emphasize the nature of the difference more precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it differs

A concise way of stating that something is not the same.

it is not the same

Emphasizes the lack of identity between two things, offering a more direct contrast.

a distinction exists

Focuses on the existence of a clear distinction, emphasizing clarity.

they are dissimilar

Directly states the dissimilarity, suitable for technical or formal contexts.

a variation is present

Highlights the presence of variation, suggesting a less significant difference.

a disparity is evident

Points to a clear and often significant difference, particularly in levels or amounts.

a contrast can be seen

Highlights the visibility of the contrast, suggesting an easily noticeable difference.

a discrepancy exists

Highlights an inconsistency or lack of agreement, often used for factual or numerical differences.

a divergence exists

Implies a gradual separation or deviation, suitable for discussing trends or developments.

the two diverge

Focuses on the act of diverging, suggesting movement away from a common point.

FAQs

How to use "there is a difference" in a sentence?

Use "there is a difference" to highlight distinctions between two or more things. For example: "There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom."

What can I say instead of "there is a difference"?

You can use alternatives like "a distinction exists", "it is not the same", or "it differs", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "there is a difference" or "there are differences"?

"There is a difference" is used when referring to a general distinction or a single notable difference. "There are differences" is used when referring to multiple distinct differences.

What's the difference between "there is a difference" and "there is a distinction"?

While similar, "there is a difference" is a broader statement of non-identity. "There is a distinction" implies a more clear and significant difference, often one that requires careful consideration.