a distinctive quality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinctive quality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a unique characteristic or feature that sets something apart from others. Example: "The artist's use of vibrant colors is a distinctive quality that makes her work stand out in the gallery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

There's a distinctive quality difference.

The New York Times

I think it's going to give our animation, as more movies come out of here, a distinctive quality people can identify".

The New York Times

These lent her books a distinctive quality that garnered Forrester, who has died aged 92, plaudits and a legion of loyal readers.

The Guardian - Books

Smith's drum patterns and ethereal synths gave the xx a distinctive quality: a hybrid of singer-songwriter balladry and influences from hip-hop and underground London dance music.

The New Yorker

Johnson's work, as she presents it in this film, has a distinctive quality that reveals the essential differences between dramatic and documentary cinematography.

The New Yorker

Now that he has attended to what he terms its musical hygiene, the orchestra is playing better but has kept a distinctive quality that, warts and all, suits Schumann's quirkiness.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It's a very distinctive quality many have described, pointing to his focus on the ephemeral nature of our lives.

HuffPost

"He had an extraordinary, distinctive quality onstage," Mr. Spalding said, recalling his first sight of Mr. Khan dancing.

The New York Times - Arts

Delivering Creative Future also included a commitment to a wide range of distinctive, quality programmes on television, radio and online.

BBC

A person may bring an action to enjoin an act likely to injure a business reputation or to dilute the distinctive quality of a mark registered under this chapter or Title 15, U.S.C., or a mark or trade name valid at common law, regardless of whether there is competition between the parties or confusion as to the source of goods or services.

Harvard University

The characteristic mark of a phenomenon is its distinctive quality.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinctive quality" to emphasize a unique or easily recognizable attribute that sets something apart from others.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinctive quality" as a vague descriptor. Always clarify what makes the quality distinctive, providing concrete details to support your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinctive quality" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific characteristic that sets something apart. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show its versatility in describing various subjects, from art to personal traits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinctive quality" is a versatile phrase used to highlight unique characteristics or attributes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. To effectively use this phrase, follow up with specific details to illustrate the characteristic. Avoid vague descriptions. Related phrases include "a unique attribute" and "a characteristic trait". Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its application in real-world writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique attribute

Replaces "quality" with "attribute", focusing on inherent characteristics.

a characteristic trait

Substitutes "distinctive" with "characteristic" and "quality" with "trait", highlighting typical features.

a singular attribute

Highlights the uniqueness using "singular" instead of "distinctive".

an individual characteristic

Stresses the individuality of the characteristic.

a peculiar feature

Uses "peculiar" instead of "distinctive" and "feature" instead of "quality", suggesting something unusual.

a special feature

Indicates the feature is particularly important or valuable.

a notable aspect

Emphasizes the importance of the aspect, rather than its uniqueness.

a rare characteristic

Highlights the infrequency of the characteristic.

a remarkable property

Replaces "quality" with "property", often used in scientific or technical contexts.

a typical trait

Focuses on a representative trait, less about uniqueness.

FAQs

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

Use "a distinctive quality" to highlight a specific trait that makes something unique. For instance, "The artist's use of color gives her paintings "a distinctive quality"."

What are some alternatives to "a distinctive quality"?

You can use alternatives like "a unique attribute", "a characteristic trait", or "a peculiar feature" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "distinctive quality" or "unique quality"?

"Distinctive" implies something easily recognizable or characteristic, while "unique" means one of a kind. Use "distinctive" when you want to emphasize recognizability and "unique" for absolute singularity.

What's the difference between "a distinctive quality" and "a notable quality"?

"A distinctive quality" refers to a specific trait that sets something apart, while "a notable quality" simply means a quality that is worth paying attention to or is significant. The former emphasizes uniqueness, the latter importance.