a distinctive thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinctive thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or concept that has unique characteristics or features that set it apart from others. Example: "The artist's use of color is a distinctive thing that makes her work easily recognizable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science Magazine

The New York Times

Vice

The Guardian - Music

The Economist

The Guardian

The New York Times - Arts

Harvard Business Review

Wikipedia

The New Yorker

The New Yorker - Sports

The Guardian - Books

The Guardian - Tech

The New York Times - Science

Yale University

The New York Times - Books

BBC

Forbes

Huffington Post

The New York Times - Books

Independent

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"A dingo is a distinctive thing in Australia," identifiable by its erect ears, bushy tail, and neck that can arc backward into prime howling position, he says.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

On each of her previous three solo albums Madeleine Peyroux kept the focus on her voice: a small, distinctive thing with all the weathered charm of a flea-market antique.

The New York Times

When I meet someone, I tend to remember a few distinctive things about them their interests, hometown, personal style, alma mater that help me approach people right where they are.

Vice

The point is, composers and musicians over the last century have wanted to make the most of everything in the sonic world around them, trying to create something that sounds like a distinctive, single thing rather than that most benighted of phenomena, a "fusion" that sounds like neither one thing nor the other.

The Guardian - Music

Standing up and drawing a solution on the white-board just may be the most distinctive thing the interviewers have seen in a large batch of candidates.The process can be intimidating.

The Economist

"This was the distinctive thing about Neville as a politician.

The Guardian

In the end, aren't a religion's "truth-claims" the most distinctive thing about it?

The New York Times

The most distinctive thing about 200 West Street is an initiative by Goldman to commission a number of forward-looking architects to design portions of the interior, like the cafeteria, the auditorium, and the fitness center — a way of giving younger firms that have rarely worked in this kind of corporate environment a chance to show what they could do.

The New Yorker

The most distinctive thing about 200 West Street is an initiative by Goldman to commission a number of forward-looking architects to design portions of the interior, like the cafeteria, the auditorium, and the fitness center a way of giving younger firms that have rarely worked in this kind of corporate environment a chance to show what they could do.

The New Yorker

Robert Shearman and Lars Pearson, in their book Wanting to Believe: A Critical Guide to The X-Files, Millennium & The Lone Gunmen, rated the episode one-and-a-half stars out of five, finding that its cold open was "the most distinctive thing about the whole case".

Wikipedia

But the most distinctive thing about his appearance was his hair, which hung in a long white fringe from the sides and the back of his otherwise bald head.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to describe an object with a strong identity, try using "a distinctive thing" when you want to highlight a certain quality.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinctive thing" without clearly defining what makes it distinctive. Overusing the word without context can make your writing vague and less impactful. Instead, provide specific details that illustrate the unique quality you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinctive thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies something with unique or easily recognizable qualities. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinctive thing" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to emphasize the unique qualities of a subject. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and offers contextual examples. While its frequency is rare, the phrase is versatile, appearing in news, media, scientific, and formal business writings. Remember to clearly establish the context when using this phrase to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique attribute

Emphasizes a quality that is solely possessed by something.

a singular feature

Highlights a characteristic that stands out from others.

a remarkable trait

Stresses an exceptional or noteworthy aspect.

a peculiar characteristic

Focuses on an unusual or odd feature.

a special quality

Indicates a particular attribute that is highly valued.

a distinguishing mark

Refers to a feature that sets something apart from its kind.

a notable aspect

Points out a significant or easily observed element.

a characteristic element

Denotes a component that defines the essence of something.

an individualistic quality

Highlights a nature that is extremely independent and self-reliant.

a specific detail

Highlights a single element within a larger picture.

FAQs

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

You can use "a distinctive thing" to highlight a unique quality or attribute. For example, "The aroma was "a distinctive thing" about the bakery, setting it apart from others."

What are some alternatives to "a distinctive thing"?

Alternatives include "a unique feature", "a singular trait", or "a remarkable aspect", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a distinctive thing" or "a unique thing"?

While both are similar, "a distinctive thing" emphasizes easily recognizable qualities, while "a unique thing" highlights unparalleled singularity. Choose the one that best fits the nuance you intend to convey.

What makes "a distinctive thing" different from "a common thing"?

"A distinctive thing" possesses unique characteristics that set it apart, while "a common thing" is ordinary and lacks any particularly noticeable features.