tell the difference vs see the difference

Both 'tell the difference' and 'see the difference' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Tell the difference' is used when someone is able to distinguish between two things or notice a contrast, while 'see the difference' is used when someone is able to visually perceive a distinction or change.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1374 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"tell the difference"

This phrase is used when someone is able to distinguish between two things or notice a contrast. It implies the ability to perceive a difference through observation or understanding.

Examples:

Can you tell the difference between these two paintings?
I can tell the difference between real leather and fake leather.
It's hard to tell the difference between the twins at first glance.

Show examples from the web [+]

I hope I can tell the difference.
You only need a tongue to tell the difference.
But sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
And I can tell the difference.
I don't think you'll be able to tell the difference.
Used to be a lot easier to tell the difference.
I want to see if we can tell the difference.
I couldn't tell the difference.
You can tell the difference actually because Brownie costumes don't look like this.
And sometimes you can't... tell the difference.
Although in Paris, it's hard to tell the difference.
How could you not tell the difference?
Now, unfortunately, there is a lot of new physics whose signature could be missing energy, so it will be hard to tell the difference.
but see if you can tell the difference.
When this shipment mingles with the real shots, No one will be able to tell the difference.
Put a fake beard on you, some sunglasses, be hard to tell the difference.
When this shipment mingles with the real shots, no one will be able to tell the difference.
You can tell the difference actually because
And the more I thought about it, I couldn't think of a good answer for how he could tell the difference.
In Germany, they made one small change without checking with me - nor did they have to, because it was done through agencies - but see if you can tell the difference.

Alternatives:

distinguish between
differentiate
discern
spot the difference
notice the contrast

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"see the difference"

This phrase is used when someone is able to visually perceive a distinction or change. It implies the ability to notice a difference through sight.

Examples:

Once you compare the two products side by side, you can see the difference.
I can see the difference in the color of the walls after they were repainted.
If you look closely, you can see the difference in texture.

Show examples from the web [+]

And when I looked at yours, I could see the difference.
And if you really want to see the difference, you look at the toilet over here.
Once the wizard has entered text, do some customization to make the document more readable, add a minimum of one quote, some bold text, italics, and a verse to see the difference between the commands.
I'm not quite sure I see the difference, sir.
He used my lotion and now you can see the difference.
And why can't I see the difference?
There is an uncertainty margin, but we can see the difference here: Cambodia, Singapore.
But you must see the difference between the girl that was painted here yesterday and this.
You do something good now, you're not always around to see the difference it makes later.
Second of all, I'll bet even you people who are untrained can see the difference, and we see here an ST segment elevation right after this sharp line.
I wish I could've found the camera, just so we could see the difference on your face from when you left this morning to when I picked you up.
That's why the same between the before and after that this shows, it's hard to see the difference.
I struggle between what I know is right in my own mind, and some warped truthfulness as seen through other people's eyes who have no heart, and can't see the difference anyway.
So, you see the difference between Indica over there and Sativa here?
Isn't it time that I go outside and experience reality, step beyond the office doors and see the difference for myself?
Will he be involved in ensuring that two different drafts are prepared: a constitution for a democratic federal state, and a democratic agreement between independent countries, so that people can see the difference?
That you shall see the difference in our spirit, I pardon you your life before you ask it.
You must see the difference.
You can see the difference.

Alternatives:

notice the difference
perceive the distinction
observe the change
spot the distinction
recognize the contrast

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tell the difference vs see the difference