"the difference is that" vs "their difference is that"

Question

"the difference is that" vs "their difference is that"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Their difference is that' is used when comparing two specific things that belong to a group or category, while 'the difference is that' is used in a more general context when comparing two things without specifying who they belong to.

Last Updated: March 08, 2024

This phrase is used to point out the distinction between two things without emphasizing ownership or specific individuals.

Examples:

The difference is that one is larger than the other.
The difference is that it rained yesterday but it's sunny today.

Alternatives:

One key difference is that
A major contrast is that
What distinguishes them is that
The primary discrepancy is that
The main divergence is that

This phrase is used to highlight the distinction between two specific things that are part of a larger group or category.

Examples:

Their difference is that one is made of metal and the other is made of plastic.
Their difference is that she prefers tea while he prefers coffee.

Alternatives:

The difference between them is that
The main distinction is that
What sets them apart is that
One key contrast is that
The primary dissimilarity is that

Answer 1

the difference is that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in a more general context when comparing two things without specifying who they belong to.

Answer 2

their difference is that

This phrase is correct and commonly used when comparing two specific things that belong to a group or category.

"the difference is that" vs "their difference is that"

the difference is that

their difference is that

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