Make a difference vs make the difference

Question

When would you use one or the other?

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

In a graduation speech, the mayor told the graduating class that they should become teachers or nurses so they would make a difference in the lives of others.

The ambulance came very quickly and gave emergency care to the child who had fallen into the river.. That made the difference between life and death.

Notanativespeaker1 · Answer

Can you make the difference by doing something in the future and make a difference by doing something in the past?

I understand this is not what defines them, it just seems that making a difference is a big deal, so if you are referring to something that happened in the past you would always talk about a specific action.

The only potential exception I can think of would be when you have been doing something over a period of time, which could possibly be considered "making a difference". Is that true? Or does multiple actions need to happen?

For example: I didn't have a lot of talent. It was hard, but I kept fighting until I did it. The hard work is what eventually made the difference. Is this OK?

One day I finally realized what I wanted from my life. I didn't want the money or the fame. I wanted to help people. I wanted to create something that will outlive me. I wanted to make a difference.

I've helped a lot of people since then. One day I helped a homeless person. Another day it was my neighbor. Every day I would make a difference in somebody's life.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Hi:

The only potential exception I can think of would be when you have been doing something over a period of time, which could possibly be considered "making a difference". Is that true? Or do multiple actions need to happen? Either or both.

Make a difference = have some impact or influence for the good. It is general and can refer to any event, or multiple events over a lifetime.
Mother Theresa's devotion made a difference in the lives of the poor people of Calcutta.

Also, make a change: The extra fermentation time in aged oak barrels makes a real difference in the taste and quality of fine wines.

Make the difference = have an impact or strong influence on one specific event.
For example: I didn't have a lot of talent. It was hard, but I kept fighting until I did it. The hard work is what eventually made the difference. Is this OK? Yes.

One day I finally realized what I wanted from my life. I didn't want the money or the fame. I wanted to help people. I wanted to create something that will outlive me. I wanted to make a difference. Yes

I've helped a lot of people since then. One day I helped a homeless person. Another day it was my neighbor. Every day I would make a difference in somebody's life. Yes

Make a difference vs make the difference

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