What is the difference between these two things vs What is a difference between these two things

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'What is the difference between these two things' is more commonly used and natural. It is used when comparing two specific items. 'What is a difference between these two things' is less common and sounds a bit awkward. It could be used in a more general sense when discussing the concept of difference between two things.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1370 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"What is the difference between these two things "

This phrase is used when comparing two specific items to understand the distinctions between them.

Show examples from the web [+]

What is the difference between us?
What is the difference between European and American film?
What is the difference between scapegoating and snowballing?
What is the difference between Darfur and Lebanon?
It is the difference between knowledge and experience.
1.13. What is the difference between priority and seniority?
What is the difference between this and that?
What is the difference between imitation and real diamonds?
What is the difference between a pigeon?
So what is the difference Between Danish and Dutch, anyway?
What is the difference between Death and War?
What is the difference between Iaido and Kendo?
What is the difference between flowers and a car?
What is the difference between preparation and negotiation?
When things go bad, that trust is the difference between life and death.
That is the difference between matter and spirit.
This is the difference between the two paths.
That is the difference between America and Europe.
That is the difference between women and men.
Nature is the difference between the soul and God.

Alternatives:

what are the differences between these two things
how do these two things differ
what sets these two things apart

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"What is a difference between these two things "

This phrase could be used in a more general sense when discussing the concept of difference between two things.

Show examples from the web [+]

There is a difference between dependence and trust.
There is a difference between snacking and bingeing.
There is a difference between aid and what is contained in this trade package.
There is a difference between a counsellor and an investigator.
It therefore becomes obvious in one way or another that there is a difference between principles and concrete implementation.
There is a difference between us.
There is a difference between words and deeds.
There is a difference between humans and animals.
There is a difference between them.
There is a difference between a calculated risk and senseless slaughter.
Mr President, there is a difference between blame and accountability.
There is a difference between the two.
It is definitely the case that there is a difference between harmonisation and this mutual recognition of standards.
There is a difference between dolls and bobbleheads.
There is a difference between excited and happy.
There is a difference between S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA.
But there is a difference between form and content.
There is a difference between fate and destiny.
There is a difference between a dream and a talent.
There is a difference between socialism and the staff running amok.

Alternatives:

what is one of the differences between these two things
what is a distinction between these two things

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What is the difference between these two things vs What is a difference between these two things