Key distinction between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Key distinction between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to highlight a significant difference between two or more concepts, ideas, or items. Example: "The key distinction between renewable and non-renewable energy sources lies in their sustainability and availability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How advertising is handled has always been a key distinction between low and high order publishing.

The Guardian - Opinion

That comparison highlights a key distinction between white and nonwhite Democrats.

The New Yorker

This view, however, skips over a key distinction between Brady and discovery.

The Washington Post

Start with a key distinction between today and the Cold War.

The Washington Post

This is a key distinction between our own professional league and others that are under governing body control.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a key distinction between Larry David's comedy of awkwardness and its closest predecessor, Woody Allen's comedy of anxiety.

The New Yorker

The key distinction between equity capital and debt is that debt cannot lose its value if the bank makes losses.

The Economist

A key distinction between older and younger individuals with persistent pain is the normal and pathological ageing-associated brain changes.

British Journal of Anaesthesia

The tax quandary highlights a key distinction between Russia's industry and Saudi Arabia's, which Russia displaced as the world's largest.

The New York Times

The key distinction between day dresses and evening dresses is not the degree of luxury, but a difference in style: a high collar versus a low-cut bodice.

The New York Times

A key distinction between this population (n = 784) and other datasets is that patients ≥75 years were removed (Supplementary Figure 3).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "key distinction between" to highlight the most important difference for your audience, rather than listing all possible differences.

Common error

Avoid labeling every difference as a "key distinction". Reserve this phrase for the most significant and impactful contrasts; otherwise, its impact diminishes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key distinction between" functions as a connector and highlighter, emphasizing a crucial difference between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI highlights, it introduces a significant contrast, helping to focus attention on the most important aspect of their dissimilarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "key distinction between" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to highlight the most important difference between two or more things. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in science, news, and academic contexts, reflecting its neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "main difference between" exist, this phrase specifically emphasizes the most significant point of contrast. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in identifying the items being compared and avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Primary distinction between

A slightly more formal synonym, emphasizing the most important difference.

Main difference between

Focuses on the primary difference, potentially overlooking nuanced distinctions.

Critical difference between

Stresses the importance of the difference.

Notable difference between

Emphasizes that the difference is worth paying attention to or easily observed.

Central contrast between

Emphasizes opposition or dissimilarity as the core element.

Principal divergence between

Highlights the point where things separate or deviate, suggesting a more formal tone.

Fundamental disparity between

Stresses inequality or difference in condition, quality, or rank.

Core differentiation between

Focuses on elements that set things apart.

Significant variation between

Highlights the degree to which things differ.

Key variance between

Emphasizes statistical differences.

FAQs

How can I use "key distinction between" in a sentence?

The phrase "key distinction between" is used to highlight the most important difference between two or more things. For example, "The key distinction between "renewable energy" and "non-renewable energy" is that the former is sustainable."

What's the difference between "key distinction between" and "main difference between"?

While both phrases point out differences, "key distinction between" emphasizes the most important or significant difference, while "main difference between" simply points out the primary difference, which may not necessarily be the most crucial.

What are some alternative ways to express "key distinction between"?

You can use alternatives like "primary distinction between", "central contrast between", or "fundamental disparity between" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "key distinction between" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the most important difference that clarifies understanding or informs a decision. It helps to prioritize information for the reader.