a distinct type of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinct type of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to specify or categorize something that is clearly different from others in a particular context. Example: "The study focuses on a distinct type of plant that thrives in arid environments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Granulomatous inflammation is a distinct type of chronic inflammation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There's a distinct type of cinema associated with these gritty realist stories; hard-edged, rigorously downbeat, unsparingly objective.

The Guardian - Film

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, the federal government introduced a distinct type of regulatory board to help manage the economy.

The New York Times

Resilience is important for all social work, but there is a distinct type of resilience required to work in palliative and end of life care.

The Guardian

This option would retain spot ads as a distinct type of content and a distinct revenue source D: Allows the integration of commercial communications and programming, including in relation to spot ads.

The Guardian

A distinct type of tern, the Inca tern (Larosterna inca), of Peru and northern Chile, bears distinctive white plumes on the side of the head.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dive bomber as a distinct type of aircraft was a product of tests undertaken during the 1920s by the U.S. Navy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, not every end creates a distinct type of integrity.

SEP

(Therefore, they can be assumed to constitute a distinct type of program).

IZA Journal of Migration

Kindler syndrome, a distinct type of epidermolysis bullosa, is a rare disorder caused by mutations in FERMT1, encoding kindlin-1.

Journal of Investigative Dermatology

Here we show that SF possess a distinct type of LPS tolerance compared to macrophages and other types of fibroblasts.

Journal of Autoimmunity

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinct type of" to clearly differentiate and categorize items, concepts, or phenomena. This helps in precise communication and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinct type of" when a more specific adjective would provide greater clarity. For instance, instead of "a distinct type of large neuron", specify "a Meynert cell" for conciseness and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct type of" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, specifying a particular category or kind. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's used to clearly differentiate and categorize items or concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinct type of" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to categorize and differentiate entities across various domains. According to Ludwig, its prevalence in scientific and news sources indicates a neutral to formal register. When a writer wants to specify or categorize something that is clearly different from others, "a distinct type of" is a good option. Alternative phrases include "a unique kind of" or "a specific form of". The most common error is to overuse the term when a more precise term could be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique kind of

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the type, highlighting its individuality.

a specific form of

Focuses on the particular shape or manifestation of something.

a particular variety of

Highlights the diversity and variations within a broader category.

a discrete category of

Stresses the separateness and well-defined boundaries of the category.

a specialized sort of

Emphasizes the specific or tailored nature of the type.

a different class of

Highlights the difference in classification compared to others.

a separate species of

Focuses on the biological or taxonomic distinction.

an individual brand of

Highlights the unique style or characteristic associated with something.

a singular example of

Emphasizes the rarity and uniqueness of the instance.

a characteristic example of

Focuses on how well the example represents specific traits.

FAQs

How can I use "a distinct type of" in a sentence?

Use "a distinct type of" to introduce something as a specific and different category, such as, "Granulomatous inflammation is "a distinct type of" chronic inflammation".

What phrases are similar to "a distinct type of"?

You can use alternatives like "a unique kind of", "a specific form of", or "a particular variety of" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "distinct" or "different" type?

"Distinct" implies a clearer separation and easily recognizable difference. While "different" is acceptable, "distinct" emphasizes a more definitive categorization.

What does "a distinct type of" usually refer to?

It generally refers to a clear and identifiable subcategory within a broader classification, often used in scientific, medical, and technical contexts to differentiate specific entities or phenomena.