make a difference vs Make the difference

Both phrases are correct, but 'Make a difference' is used to convey the idea of having an impact or effect, while 'make the difference' is used when emphasizing a specific impact or effect that sets something apart.

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 20, 2025 • 5450 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express the idea of having an impact or effect.

"make a difference"

This phrase is used to convey the idea of making an impact or causing a change that matters. It is often used in contexts where actions or contributions are significant.

Examples:

Your donation can make a difference in the lives of many people.
Volunteering your time can make a difference in your community.
Every vote counts and can make a difference in the election outcome.
Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's day.
His leadership skills can make a difference in the success of the project.

Show examples from the web [+]

Psychological factors could make a difference in sentencing.
To help people, make a difference.
He really thinks he can make a difference.
But I still want to try and make a difference.
Just one copper tryin' to make a difference.
Then let's make a difference.
You think you can't make a difference.
You know, I wanted to make a difference and reach the kids.
He's trying to make a difference.
I thought, together, we might make a difference.
I'm smart, a-and I want to make a difference.
A chance to make a difference.
The wildlings will make a difference.
That letter Bethany sent Ali could still make a difference.
I feel good that we can make a difference on this one.
But delivered into the right hands, it could make a difference.
A chance to make a difference.
Raising money. Organizing. Trying to make a difference.
I think I can make a difference.
Would have been nice to make a difference.

Alternatives:

have an impact
cause a change
bring about a difference
create an effect
contribute to a positive outcome

This phrase is correct and is used to emphasize a specific impact or effect that sets something apart from others.

"Make the difference"

This phrase is used when highlighting a particular impact or effect that is crucial or significant in a given context. It is often used to emphasize the importance of a specific factor.

Examples:

Your attention to detail could make the difference between success and failure.
The quality of customer service can make the difference in retaining clients.
His experience and expertise made the difference in winning the competition.
The right timing can make the difference in achieving your goals.
Her dedication and hard work made the difference in her academic performance.

Show examples from the web [+]

Greater economic union may make the difference.
They could make the difference between going to Harvard or working at Hollister.
Your cooperation might make the difference between him being found guilty or set free.
For him, that could make the difference between life and death.
The Austrian Presidency now has the opportunity to make the difference.
Europe is the world's largest donor and can make the difference.
It could make the difference in your campaign.
And the one thing I have that can maybe make the difference...
Although Patrick is actually a prince in his own country, so that might make the difference.
It can't really make the difference that ought to be made in a period of crisis.
But to a condemned slave like Joshua, it could make the difference between death on the spikes and life in the copper mines of Sinai.
I don't know about that, but if you cooperate, it might make the difference in ever seeing your daughter and wife again.
Just like soft power, a cohesive, united Europe can make the difference in the world.
Although the kissing attracts the big points, it's those extra marks for style, persistence, flirtation that can really make the difference out there.
And if you're in danger, the time it would take to locate and load could make the difference between life and death.
It was as if the lightest breath of wind one day could make the difference a month later between a snowstorm and a perfectly sunny day.
Time is pressing and our prompt action and response could make the difference between an accident and a human tragedy with incalculable consequences for the future development of these populations.
An ad campaign plastering my face all over the world... that could make the difference between my album skyrocketing
Europe as a soft power in conflict prevention, good governance, the fight against corruption - these things mean that, together with the EU Member States, we can make the difference as far as the Millennium Objectives are concerned.
If we made those choices, Europe would help make the world a safer place, and Europe could make the difference in terms of this social dimension, both in the EU and elsewhere.

Alternatives:

make a crucial difference
be the deciding factor
make a significant impact
make a critical distinction
be the key element

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

make a difference vs Make the difference

"make a difference"

"Make the difference"

Related Comparisons