a distinct concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinct concept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an idea or notion that is clearly defined and separate from others. Example: "In philosophy, the notion of free will is often discussed as a distinct concept that differs from determinism."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

There is a more complicated story about how perceptual distinctness relates to a distinct concept, as described by Leibniz in "Meditations on Knowledge, Truth, and Ideas," AG 23 27.

SEP

Each has a distinct concept, cuisine and atmosphere, but they all share a laid-back sophistication.

The New York Times

Will you remember when "being on the web" was still a distinct concept, something that described only a part of your life, instead of permeating all of it?

The Guardian - Tech

Even if b. is true, it applies only to a specific class of offenders, and the idea of being incapacitated, in c., is a distinct concept from deterrence.

The New York Times

Leisure emerged as a distinct concept and activity, at least on a mass scale, only when the hours of labour diminished and became more regular.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But over the last few years, user experience design has emerged as a distinct concept.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Our group has introduced a mechanistically distinct concept that provides a pathway for the C H functionalization of secondary amines.

Accounts of Chemical Research

The extent to which a concept a of the FCM is influenced by a (not necessarily distinct) concept b is given by Wa, b.

Security Informatics

1– 3, 6 A related but distinct concept that is viewed as a marker of successful aging is psychological well-being (PWB).

Clinical interventions in aging

About that same time other authors had developed the concept of 'health transition' as either a revision or an extension of Omran's theory (12, 13, 29, 48) or as a new and distinct concept (19, 43, 49).

Global Health Action

A closely related, but distinct concept is quality of life, which usually refers to the degree to which a person's life is desirable versus undesirable.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinct concept" when emphasizing the uniqueness and separateness of an idea, ensuring it doesn't overlap with existing concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinct concept" if the idea is merely a variation of an existing one. Ensure it has fundamentally different characteristics and implications to warrant being considered distinct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct concept" functions as a noun phrase, where "distinct" modifies the noun "concept". Ludwig examples show its use in identifying ideas that are clearly defined and separate from others. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinct concept" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize the uniqueness and separateness of an idea. As highlighted by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and serves to clarify conceptual boundaries across various fields such as science, news, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "a separate idea" or "a unique notion" exist, this phrase is particularly useful when precision and clarity are paramount. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. When using this phrase, ensure the concept truly warrants being considered distinct rather than just a slight variation of an existing one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a separate concept

Emphasizes the idea of being detached or not connected.

a unique concept

Highlights the unparalleled or one-of-a-kind nature.

a differentiated concept

Stresses the aspects that make it different from others.

a discrete concept

Focuses on the individuality and clear boundaries.

a specific concept

Indicates a particular and well-defined idea.

a clear concept

Highlights the ease of understanding and lack of ambiguity.

an individual concept

Stresses the singularity and non-shared nature.

a well-defined concept

Focuses on the clarity and precision of the idea.

an independent concept

Implies self-sufficiency and lack of reliance on other ideas.

a novel concept

Emphasizes the new and original aspect of the idea.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a distinct concept" in a sentence?

Use "a distinct concept" to introduce a new idea or differentiate an existing one. For example, "User experience design has emerged as "a distinct concept" over the last few years".

What are some alternatives to saying "a distinct concept"?

You can use alternatives such as "a separate idea", "a unique notion", or "a differentiated concept" depending on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a distinct concept" rather than "a similar concept"?

"A distinct concept" should be used when you want to emphasize that an idea is clearly different and not easily confused with others. If there are notable similarities, then "a similar concept" is more appropriate.

Is it redundant to say "a very distinct concept"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "a very distinct concept" can be redundant. The word "distinct" already implies a clear separation. Consider using stronger synonyms like "a radically different concept" if you want to emphasize the degree of difference.