Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner1]

Hello,

Accroding to the dictionary, the phrase 'make a (big) difference' means 'to improve a situation'. e.g.
"Exercise can make a (big) difference to your state of health."

Could we use 'make a difference' if the situation got worse? e.g.
"When you are learning to drive, having a bad teacher makes a difference."
Does the sentence make sense?

Thank you very much.

[Anuradha Chepur]

I don't think I've come across that expression used in a negative sense.
But in your sentence, perhaps you can use it that way if you are trying to be sarcastic.

[learner1]

Hello Miss Chepur,
Thank you for your answer very much.