a difference

Meanings

1. 1phrasesingular

   one way in which two people or things are not the same.

   Grammar: Countable singular: it names a single point of contrast, as in 'There is a difference between the two plans.'

   Patterns

   • a difference between A and B
   • a difference in something
   • there is a difference

   There is a big difference between the two designs.

   I noticed a difference in her voice on the phone.

   Can you explain the difference between these two words?

2. 2phrasesingular

   a change in a situation that makes it better or noticeable.

   Grammar: Often used with verbs like make, see, or notice: 'The new lights made a difference.'

   Patterns

   • make a difference
   • make a difference to something
   • see a difference

   A few kind words can make a difference to someone's day.

   Since she started running, I can see a difference in her energy.

   Will the extra practice really make a difference?

Common combinations

make a difference

Volunteering at the shelter really made a difference to the animals.

a big difference

There is a big difference between cheap shoes and good ones.

a real difference

The new teacher made a real difference to the class.

notice a difference

Did you notice a difference after you changed your diet?

a difference between

The main difference between the twins is their sense of humor.

Synonyms and how they differ

distinction

More formal and often used for a careful, exact contrast, as in 'a clear distinction between fact and opinion'.

contrast

Focuses on how two things look or seem different side by side, rather than on one single point of difference.

gap

Suggests a space or amount separating two things, often in numbers, as in 'the pay gap'.

Opposites

Word family

differ verb

to be unlike something else, or to disagree.

different adjective

not the same as someone or something else.

differently adverb

in another way; not in the same way.

differentiate verb

to see or show how things are different.

indifference noun

a lack of interest or concern.

Commonly confused: a difference or different?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a difference”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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