a distinctive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinctive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a unique or distinguishing characteristic. Example: "The artist's work is known for a distinctive style that sets it apart from others in the genre."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

O.K., a distinctive sound.

The New York Times - Science

Dillon is a distinctive figure.

The New Yorker

There's a distinctive quality difference.

The New York Times

It has a distinctive culture.

The New York Times - Sports

One had a distinctive windmill.

The New York Times - Sports

Each has a distinctive style.

The New York Times

A distinctive personal imprint.

The Guardian - Film

"It's a distinctive pigment".

The New York Times - Arts

A distinctive aura, too.

The Guardian - Sport

Haaretz, however, fills a distinctive niche.

The New York Times

Ms. Schwartz certainly has a distinctive voice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinctive" to highlight a specific, recognizable quality that sets something apart from others. For instance, describe a "a distinctive" architectural style or "a distinctive" flavor profile.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "distinctive" when more precise language would better convey the nature of the uniqueness. Instead of saying "a distinctive feature", consider specifying whether the feature is "unique", "rare", or "uncommon".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinctive" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective describing a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights a unique or distinguishing quality. Examples include "a distinctive sound", "a distinctive style", and "a distinctive culture".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinctive" is a widely used and grammatically sound adjective phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to highlight a specific, recognizable quality that sets something apart. While versatile, it's important to ensure that it's the most precise descriptor for the intended meaning. Its usage spans across various domains, including news, encyclopedias, and science, rendering it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Remember to consider more specific adjectives when greater precision is required to prevent overuse and maintain clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique

Emphasizes the unparalleled nature of something, differing from "a distinctive" which highlights recognizability.

a characteristic

Focuses on a typical or noticeable feature, whereas "a distinctive" implies a more striking or memorable quality.

a remarkable

Highlights something noteworthy or exceptional, adding a stronger emphasis than "a distinctive".

an original

Highlights the novelty and inventiveness, differing from "a distinctive" which focuses on recognizability.

a singular

Similar to unique, but may also highlight the fact that there is only one of something, less interchangeable than "a distinctive".

a peculiar

Suggests something unusual or odd, unlike "a distinctive" which can be positive or neutral.

an atypical

Denotes something diverging from the norm, contrasting with "a distinctive" that simply indicates a noticeable difference.

an individual

Emphasizes separateness and unique identity, compared to "a distinctive" which implies standing out from others.

a trademark

Implies something easily recognizable and strongly associated with a brand or individual; more specific than "a distinctive".

a special

Suggests significance or importance, while "a distinctive" focuses more on recognizable qualities.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a distinctive" in a sentence?

Use "a distinctive" to describe something that possesses a unique quality or characteristic, setting it apart from others. For example, "The painting features "a distinctive style"" or "The region is known for "a distinctive dialect"".

What are some alternatives to using "a distinctive"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a distinctive" include "a unique", "a characteristic", "a remarkable", or "a singular".

Is it always appropriate to use "a distinctive" in academic writing?

While generally acceptable, ensure "a distinctive" is the most precise term. In some cases, a more specific adjective might better convey the nuanced quality you're describing.

What is the difference between "a distinctive" and "a unique"?

"A distinctive" implies something easily recognizable and sets it apart, while "a unique" signifies being the only one of its kind. Something can be distinctive without being unique, and vice versa.