SpeakUp

Grammar fix

main difference

most important difference

the biggest or most important way in which two or more things are not the same

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The main difference between city life and country life is the pace—everything moves much faster in the city.daily life
  • In my opinion, the main difference between studying at school and at university is the level of independence you have.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: the main difference (between A and B) (is/was)...

WrongThe main difference between cats to dogs.

RightThe main difference between cats and dogs.

'Difference BETWEEN X AND Y' — use 'and', not 'to'.

Patternthe main difference (between A and B) (is/was)...

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The principal point of divergence between them is cost.

Natural The main difference is the cost.

'The main difference' is natural; 'principal point of divergence' is jargon.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • the main difference (between)
    betweenandis thatbiggest

Don't confuse it

‘Main difference’ focuses on the most important point, while ‘other differences’ are less important.

Try it in Daily Speak →