a core distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a core distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing fundamental differences or key separations between concepts, ideas, or categories. Example: "In the debate about renewable energy, a core distinction is made between solar and wind power in terms of efficiency and cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

These definitions allow us to clarify a core distinction between temporally ordered and unordered hierarchies.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

Tinbergen found a way to integrate differing views, recognizing a core distinction among questions that focussed on proximate and those that focussed on ultimate explanations (Tinbergen 1963).

AoB PLANTS

Earlier, at the end of the 19th century the philosopher and psychologist William James[ 20] made a core distinction between two aspects of identity.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

There is a core distinction between using a systemic perspective in developing water management responses and attempting to develop comprehensive integrated responses.

FAO

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Better labels would be "realist" and "liberal internationalist," which, though hardly the stuff of a catchy title, capture the core distinction between Kennan's insistence on the limits of American capabilities and Nitze's more optimistic view.

The New York Times - Books

But hands-on management in the name of wildness itself rather than human appetite or aesthetics — the core distinction of what is happening here — is a change in how people relate to nature in set-apart corners of the world like Yellowstone.

The New York Times

That's the core distinction between what some in the media are calling a bubble now, and an actual bubble like the one in the late 1990s where the public participated in wild speculation.

TechCrunch

The core distinction, industry executives say, is that Web companies do not have the power to prosecute anyone, as law enforcement agencies do.

The New York Times

The chapter begins by examining language to motivate the core distinction between uncertainty and approximation.

Psychology of Learning and Motivation

G. H. Mead[ 21], referring to this core distinction, focused on the interactional and social aspect of the "me" as a part of the self that deals with "society", i.e. social roles and group identifications, resulting from the experienced interaction and response from others.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Three branching pairs of core distinctions can briefly delineate the field of synergistic politics: A first already evoked distinction between two opposite forms of political competition: Antagonistic competition, about who gets what share of the available material resources, whether individually gathered or collectively produced.

Human Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a core distinction", ensure that the distinction you are highlighting is indeed a fundamental and important difference that clarifies understanding. It should not be a superficial or minor detail.

Common error

Avoid using "a core distinction" to describe differences that are minor or trivial. This phrase implies a fundamental separation, so reserve it for truly significant distinctions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a core distinction" functions as a noun phrase that highlights a significant and essential difference between two or more concepts. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used to introduce or clarify fundamental differences in various fields.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a core distinction" is a phrase used to highlight a fundamental and important difference, primarily in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for emphasizing significant distinctions. When using the phrase, ensure the distinction is truly fundamental and not a superficial detail. Alternatives include "a fundamental difference" or "a key difference". While grammatically sound, remember to use it judiciously to maintain the impact of the distinction you're drawing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental difference

Emphasizes the basic or essential nature of the difference.

a key difference

Highlights the importance of the difference.

a primary distinction

Stresses that the distinction is of first importance or rank.

a central difference

Indicates the difference is at the heart of the matter.

a main difference

Highlights the principal or most significant difference.

a basic difference

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the difference.

a significant difference

Highlights that the difference is noteworthy or important.

an essential distinction

Emphasizes the indispensable nature of the distinction.

a critical difference

Suggests the difference is crucial or decisive.

a notable difference

Implies the difference is easily observed or worthy of attention.

FAQs

How can I use "a core distinction" in a sentence?

You can use "a core distinction" to highlight a fundamental difference between two or more concepts. For example: "A core distinction between classical and quantum physics lies in their treatment of determinism."

What are some alternatives to "a core distinction"?

Alternatives to "a core distinction" include "a fundamental difference", "a key difference", or "a primary distinction". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a core distinction"?

It is appropriate to use "a core distinction" when you want to emphasize a significant and essential difference that is central to understanding a topic or issue.

What's the difference between "a core distinction" and "a subtle difference"?

"A core distinction" implies a major and fundamental difference, while "a subtle difference" refers to a minor or less obvious difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you wish to describe.