there is not/ there is no

My friend asked me why people say "There is no difference between.... ", not "There is not difference between...". I don't know how to explain. Please advise.

LCChang

The overall philosophy of this phrase is like that of the use of "nothing":

1. I found nothing. //The guy found something. It's nothing.
2. I didn't find anything.

So, the presence of "nothing" renders any other presence not present.

The presence of the "lack of difference" makes the presence of any difference impossible.

"no difference" acts as a whole word: "nodiffrence", just like "nothing" has originated from "no thing".

1. There is no difference.
2. There isn't any difference.

1. I have no weapon
2. I don't have (any) weapon

CalifJim wrote:

difference is a countable noun.  Countable nouns in the singular require a determiner.  no is a determiner.  not is not a determiner.  not negates the verb. So you can have the positive statement There is with the determiner no and noun the difference. Or you can have the negative statement There is not with the determiner any and noun difference. But you can't have the negative There is not and then add difference without a determiner. CJ

Thank you CJ. I love your answer the best. Thanks to others too.

LCChang