to show the difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to show the difference" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use this phrase when you want to explain how one thing is distinct from another. For example: "It is important to use both graphical and numerical representations of the data, in order to show the difference between the two."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's try to show the difference.

The New York Times - Arts

These behaviors can be analyzed to show the difference between "weak" neighborhood interactions and "strong" neighborhood interactions.

Cornell University

"I wanted to be like them, to show the difference between real fighters and fake ones," Mosley said.

The New York Times - Sports

Moreover, the conventional approach of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis is presented to show the difference between the two procedures.

Engineering Geology

The comparisons of torques are also observed to show the difference of energy distribution between the actuators.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

The x column is accessed using copy_colvals whereas the y column data is retrieved using get_colvals to show the difference in behavior.

Harvard University

The figure was not broken down to show the difference between Scottish students and other UK students who pay the full £9,000.

The Guardian

The point was to show the difference between a steak from a steer that was finished with grain and one that had eaten pasture all its life.

The New York Times

In particular, Philo was the first to show the difference between the knowability of God's existence and the unknowability of his essence.

Britannica

We want to set up two prison cells, one from the turn of the century and a modern one to show the difference.

The New York Times

To show the difference, he sliced a tradition and then a classic baguette in half and lengthwise as if to make a sandwich.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to show the difference", ensure that you clearly identify the items being compared and the specific attributes being contrasted for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to show the difference" without explicitly stating what two or more items you're comparing, which can leave the reader confused about the focus of the contrast.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to show the difference" functions as an infinitive phrase that expresses purpose. It often introduces a clause or statement that explains the reason for performing a particular action or presenting certain information. As Ludwig AI suggests, it serves to explain how one thing is distinct from another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to show the difference" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase that introduces a comparison or contrast between two or more items. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is effective for explaining distinctions and enhancing understanding. Found frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly identifying the items being compared. Remember, while alternatives like "to illustrate the contrast" or "to highlight the distinction" exist, "to show the difference" offers a straightforward and widely accepted way to express the intent of comparing and contrasting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to illustrate the contrast

Emphasizes the act of making the contrast visible or understandable; focuses more on the visual or demonstrative aspect.

to highlight the distinction

Focuses on making the differences prominent; implies bringing attention to specific, important aspects of the difference.

to demonstrate the variance

Stresses the act of proving or showing that there is a difference, often used in more formal or scientific contexts.

to clarify the divergence

Implies making a difference clearer or easier to understand, focusing on removing ambiguity.

to point out the disparity

Directly indicates a noticeable difference, often implying an inequality or imbalance.

to reveal the gap

Suggests uncovering a difference that might not be immediately apparent, often used when the difference is significant.

to underscore the difference

Emphasizes the difference, making it stand out and ensuring it is not overlooked.

to delineate the contrast

Focuses on outlining or defining the boundaries of the difference, making it clear and precise.

to make plain the difference

Stresses the intention of making the difference easily understandable, avoiding complexity or confusion.

to evidence the dissimilarity

Uses evidence or proof to establish that a difference exists, often used in formal arguments or analyses.

FAQs

How can I use "to show the difference" in a sentence?

You can use "to show the difference" to introduce a comparison between two or more things. For example, "We conducted two experiments "to show the difference" between the new method and the old one."

What are some alternatives to "to show the difference"?

Alternatives include "to illustrate the contrast", "to highlight the distinction", or "to demonstrate the variance" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "to show the difference" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to explicitly point out the distinctions between two or more subjects, methods, results, or any other comparable entities. It is particularly useful in reports, analyses, or any form of comparative writing.

What is the difference between "to show the difference" and "to demonstrate the difference"?

While both phrases are similar, "to show the difference" is more general and can refer to simply presenting a contrast. "To demonstrate the difference", on the other hand, often implies a more rigorous or conclusive presentation of the contrast, possibly involving evidence or proof.