wide discrepancy

USAGE SUMMARY

"wide discrepancy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a major difference between two things. For example, "The wide discrepancy between her income and her lifestyle was hard to ignore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

What explains this wide discrepancy?

The New York Times

However, there is a wide discrepancy between universities.

The Guardian

A wide discrepancy in method separates the two voice settings.

The New York Times - Arts

This wide discrepancy did not exist among young women.

The New York Times

That said, there is still a wide discrepancy in pricing between bank loans and alternative loans.

The New York Times

As Palmer notes, this wide discrepancy suggests that scientists find ways to confirm their preferred hypothesis, disregarding what they don't want to see.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

What explains these wide discrepancies?

The Guardian

Consumers and retailers could be infuriated if they see the wide discrepancies in prices between countries.

The New York Times

The average was about £7,500 but the figures show wide discrepancies.

The Guardian

They walked me through a series of slides showing the wide discrepancies between the two campaigns.

The New York Times - Magazine

Australia, for instance, has wide discrepancies of income, but came a creditable ninth in the most recent PISA study.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wide discrepancy", ensure that the context clearly establishes the two elements being compared. For example, specify "wide discrepancy between reported income and actual spending."

Common error

Avoid using "wide discrepancy" without clearly stating what is being compared. For instance, instead of saying "There is a wide discrepancy", specify "There is a wide discrepancy between the initial estimate and the final cost."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wide discrepancy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "wide" modifies the noun "discrepancy". It is used to describe a significant difference or inconsistency between two or more comparable elements. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wide discrepancy" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that highlights a substantial difference or inconsistency. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence in diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias, reflecting its adaptability and widespread recognition. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing notable divergences, and is suitable for both neutral and formal registers. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the elements being compared to maximize its impact. Alternatives such as "significant difference" or "marked contrast" can provide nuanced variations in meaning, as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

notable inconsistency

Shifts the focus to the lack of uniformity or logical coherence, rather than simply a difference in magnitude.

significant difference

Focuses on the notable degree of difference, minimizing the aspect of inconsistency or unexpected variation.

major disparity

Implies an inequality or imbalance, often with connotations of unfairness or injustice.

marked contrast

Highlights a clear and easily noticeable difference, often used to draw attention to opposing qualities or characteristics.

large differential

Emphasizes the numerical or quantifiable difference between two values or measurements.

substantial variation

Emphasizes the degree to which something changes or differs, rather than highlighting a conflict or contradiction.

pronounced gap

Emphasizes the space or distance between two points or values, suggesting a significant separation.

considerable divergence

Indicates a gradual separation or moving apart from a common point, suggesting differences that have developed over time.

clear distinction

Focuses on the ease with which one can differentiate between two things, minimizing the scale of the difference.

evident contradiction

Highlights a direct opposition or conflict, often implying a logical impossibility.

FAQs

How can I use "wide discrepancy" in a sentence?

You can use "wide discrepancy" to highlight a significant difference between two or more things. For example, "There is a wide discrepancy between the number of registered voters and the actual turnout at the election".

What are some alternatives to "wide discrepancy"?

Alternatives to "wide discrepancy" include "significant difference", "substantial variation", or "marked contrast", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "wide discrepancy" or "big difference"?

"Wide discrepancy" is generally more formal and suitable for academic or professional writing, while "big difference" is more appropriate for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "wide discrepancy" and "slight difference"?

"Wide discrepancy" indicates a large and noticeable difference, while "slight difference" suggests a small and often insignificant difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you want to emphasize.