Phrase "the difference in meaning between 'a' ad 'b'?"

[Jctgf]

Hi,
Is it good English to say "the difference in meaning between 'a' ad 'b'?"
Isn't it suffice to say "the difference between..."?
Thanks.

[Barb_D]

In most cases, that would be just fine.

[Yankee]

Hi jctgf

As Barb said, that would be fine in most cases. Adding 'in meaning' simply makes the question more specific. In other words, it asks specifically about meaning, and does not ask about register, usage, part of speech, etc.

[Jctgf]

Thanks for correcting my English. Sometimes I think teachers in general accept little mistakes from the students. It seems that it isn't worth taking the time to point out the mistake or maybe the number of little errors is so huge that the task is unfeasible.
However, not to be advised is not good for the students because they tend to write and speak incorrectly. A late advise may not cause the same effect as an early one. Once you've learned something wrong, it's very difficult to learn the right way.
Thanks again.

[Mister Micawber]

.
That may be how you view your learning style, jctgf, but many students are deterred from learning a language by a teacher's over-correcting; they become hesitant and lose confidence. Attentive teachers correct when the time is ripe, but permit students minor imperfections at other times when the focus is on communication.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

[Yankee]

Hi jctgf

I agree with MM, but I am happy that you appreciated my input.

Not everybody is happy to get such input, though. I'm never really sure whether it will be accepted. For example, just the other day, this is what someone posted after I answered a question and also offered corrections: