What is the easiest way to remember “difference” and “different”?

Use this memory trick:

Difference = noun = the thing
Different = adjective = describes the thing

Examples:

• The difference is small.

• The two answers are different.

Another quick test:
If you can put “a” or “the” before the word, you probably need difference.

Examples:

• a difference

• the difference

• a different answer

But you cannot usually say “a different” by itself. It needs a noun after it, such as “a different answer.”