Principal distinction between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Principal distinction between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to highlight the main difference between two or more subjects or concepts. Example: "The principal distinction between classical and modern art lies in their approach to representation and abstraction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The principal distinction between the films is one of pace and hue.

The New Yorker

The principal distinction between Subpart 1 and Subpart 2 is that the latter eliminates regulatory discretion that the former allowed.

Harvard University

Carried to its logical extreme, it will spell the destruction of freedom of choice in every walk of life: it will destroy that moral freedom, that ability to choose which is the principal distinction between men and animals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And even allowing them to earn money from outside sources would endanger the myth of the "student-athlete" playing for the love of the game alone, a principal distinction between highly popular college sports and professional minor leagues that are all but ignored.

The Economist

The degree of disapprobation with which we ought to mark the vices of levity, the vices which are apt to arise from great prosperity, and from the excess of gaiety and good humour, seems to constitute the principal distinction between those two opposite schemes or systems.

The New York Times

The present article explains the principal distinction between observational and theoretical terms, discusses important criticisms and refinements of this distinction and investigates two problems concerning the semantics of theoretical terms.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The extent of the controls imposed on the economy is one of the principal distinctions between capitalist, socialist, and communist systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is in Shakespeare's most profound insights that Schlegel locates one of the principal distinctions between Classical and Shakespearean tragedy, in what he calls Shakespeare's "secret irony".

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the principal distinctions between the acute and chronic GVHD models appears to be the nine-fold reduction in CTL precursor numbers with anti-host specificity (which eliminate autoreactive host B cells) generated during GVHD induced by DBA/2 mouse spleen cells rather than by B6 mouse spleen cells [ 12].

Arthritis Research and Therapy

The principal distinction that can be made between North American (USA and Canada) prehospital care and that in Europe is the proximity of the physician to the injured patient in the field.

Critical Care

A principal distinction is the ingredient of direct presidential involvement.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "Principal distinction between", ensure that you clearly define both subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "the principal distinction between X and Y".

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the "principal distinction between" subjects, neglecting other relevant, albeit less prominent, differences that could provide a more complete understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Principal distinction between" functions as a linking phrase used to introduce and emphasize the most important difference between two or more subjects. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Principal distinction between" is a grammatically correct expression, as confirmed by Ludwig, used to highlight the most important difference between two subjects. It appears most frequently in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating a relatively formal register. While alternatives like "main difference between" and "key contrast between" exist, "Principal distinction between" emphasizes a fundamental and noteworthy difference. When using this phrase, clearly define both subjects being compared for maximum clarity. Ludwig's examples confirm it's a valuable tool for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Main difference between

Focuses on the most important difference without necessarily implying fundamental nature.

Key contrast between

Emphasizes a notable difference that is easily observed or recognized.

Central difference between

Highlights the most important or significant difference.

Primary difference between

Stresses the foremost or leading difference.

Fundamental difference between

Indicates a deep or basic difference.

Most important distinction between

Highlights the significance of the difference.

Significant difference between

Points out a notable or considerable difference.

Notable difference between

Emphasizes that the difference is worthy of attention.

Chief difference between

Indicates the principal or most prominent difference.

Leading distinction between

Highlights the most prominent or obvious difference.

FAQs

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

Use "Principal distinction between" to highlight the primary difference between two subjects. For example: "The principal distinction between classical and modern art lies in their approach to representation."

What is a good alternative to "Principal distinction between"?

Alternatives include "main difference between", "key contrast between", or "primary difference between".

Is it better to say "principal distinction" or "main difference"?

"Principal distinction" is more formal and emphasizes a fundamental difference, while "main difference" is more general and widely applicable. The better choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "principal distinction between" and "notable difference between"?

"Principal distinction between" emphasizes the most important difference, whereas "notable difference between" simply highlights a difference that is worthy of attention but not necessarily the most significant one.