a distinctive difference

USAGE SUMMARY

"a distinctive difference" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you need to refer to a difference that is clear and easily identifiable. For example, "The two cars have a distinctive difference in their paint colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Several of these parental biological processes were highly tissue-specific as a distinctive difference in the proportion of over-represented biological processes was observed between the different tissues.

EJNMMI Research

A distinctive difference in microbial diversity was observed between the two groups.

AMB Express

As a result, the external doses showed a distinctive difference with the locations to be evaluated and the precipitation conditions.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

Results show a distinctive difference between the inhibition when an inhibitor is mixed with and when it is injected under a preformed surfactant film.

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces

We mean with a distinctive difference in emission spectra above 525 nm that the contribution of the ACL is smaller than the contribution of bone and cartilage.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

Such an approach is extremely valuable, particularly when designing features by hand is challenging, and the timbre is an example where it is difficult to determine a distinctive difference in a sound spectrum by observation.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The proportion of disordered regions (residues) in the IVV core data was significantly higher than that in the human Refseq for both regions and protein levels (p<2.2e 16 in each comparison); a more distinctive difference was observed for IRs (Figure 4, IVV core (IR)).

Plosone

The only distinctive difference with CA-MRSA infections is the wider spectrum of therapeutic options available that includes β-lactam antimicrobial agents.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

There's a distinctive quality difference.

The New York Times

The results obtained have shown a distinctive performance difference in machining stability.

CIRP Annals

The presence and thickness of unmodified contemporary sand layers in almost all channelised fills and its absence in almost all intact swamps was a distinctive structural difference.

CATENA

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing differences between items, follow the phrase with a clear explanation of what that difference entails. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your reader understands the distinction you're making.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinctive difference" without providing context or examples of the difference. The term 'distinctive' implies something easily noticeable, so failing to clarify can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinctive difference" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights a particular quality of difference that is easily recognizable or characteristic. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

81%

News & Media

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a distinctive difference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that highlights a clear and easily recognizable contrast. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in scientific and news contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the nature of the difference. Alternatives like "a marked contrast" or "a noticeable distinction" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marked contrast

Emphasizes a strong and easily observable difference.

a noticeable distinction

Highlights the easiness with which one can perceive the difference.

a clear differentiation

Focuses on the act of distinguishing or setting apart.

a pronounced dissimilarity

Indicates a significant lack of resemblance.

a striking divergence

Suggests a deviation or departure that is particularly eye-catching.

a tangible variation

Highlights a difference that is concrete and measurable.

an appreciable disparity

Emphasizes that the difference is large enough to be important or relevant.

a patent difference

Implies the difference is obvious and undeniable.

an evident contrast

Focuses on the obviousness and clarity of the difference.

a manifest divergence

Indicates a clear and unmistakable point of departure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a distinctive difference" to highlight a notable contrast between two or more things. For example, "There's "a distinctive difference" in the architectural styles of the East and West coasts."

What's the difference between "a distinctive difference" and "a significant difference"?

"A distinctive difference" emphasizes that the difference is easily recognizable or characteristic, while "a significant difference" highlights that the difference is important or meaningful. Both terms can be used, but their focus varies slightly.

Are there synonyms for "a distinctive difference" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "a marked contrast", "a noticeable distinction", or "a clear differentiation" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a distinctive difference"?

While "distinctive" implies a difference that stands out, using the phrase ""a distinctive difference"" is not necessarily redundant if you wish to emphasize the clarity and obviousness of the difference. The phrase is commonly used and well-understood.