a distinguished character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinguished character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has notable qualities or achievements that set them apart from others. Example: "The novel features a distinguished character who is known for his bravery and wisdom in the face of adversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He says that the ideal endorser not only should be non-commercial but should have a distinguished character.

The New Yorker

Mr. Buscemi, who played Tony Soprano's cousin in "The Sopranos," is a distinguished character actor and certainly a distinctive one: bug-eyed and cadaverous, he speaks in a tinny voice that sounds like a 33 1/3 r.p.m. record played at 45.

The New York Times - Arts

Arye Gross, a distinguished character actor, plays Benny, Anna's unmarried brother, and in addition to Mr. Loggia and Ms. Clark, the film stars Barbara Barrie, the Oscar-, Emmy- and Tony-nominated actress, as Yetta, the grandmother, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease.

The New York Times

As a distinguished character, there were more targets related to movement in A. suum, such as actin (n = 5) and tubulin (n = 6), while such targets were very few in A. lumbricoides.

BMC Veterinary Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It would be as likely as any that could be divised to produce an Executive Magistrate of distinguished character.

The New Yorker

It would be as likely as any that could be devised to produce an Executive Magistrate of distinguished Character.

The New Yorker

Ivar resembles a distinguished foreign character actor, the kind of guy who would be getting the Max von Sydow roles were he not busy being an applied mathematician and bridge legend.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nancy Marchand, the distinguished character actress who excelled at playing wise and imperious authority figures -- newspaper publishers, queens, grande dames and a madam -- and who achieved perhaps her greatest fame as the domineering mother of a mob boss in the television series "The Sopranos," died on Sunday at her home in Stratford, Conn., one day short of her 72nd birthday.

The New York Times - Arts

David Ryall, who has died aged 79, was one of the most distinguished character actors at the National Theatre over many years, playing important roles for successive artistic directors, Laurence Olivier and Peter Hall, in the 1970s and 80s, and appearing in the premieres of plays by Tom Stoppard, Michael Frayn, Peter Shaffer, Adrian Mitchell, Peter Nichols and Simon Gray.

The Guardian

It would be connected with persons of distinguished character and extensive influence in the community.

University of Chicago

The cuddly bear from darkest Peru beat a shortlist of other distinguished characters including Super Ted, Aleksandr Meerkat and Wallace and Gromit to the title.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinguished character" when you want to convey a sense of respect and admiration for someone's qualities and achievements. It suggests that the person is not only notable but also respected and admired by others.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinguished character" in very informal or casual settings. The phrase carries a certain weight and formality, so it might sound out of place in a relaxed conversation or informal writing. Choose simpler and more relatable terms in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinguished character" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It serves to describe or identify a person or entity possessing notable qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinguished character" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that conveys respect and admiration. Ludwig AI analysis indicates the phrase is more common in News & Media sources, with some presence in Scientific and Academic writing. While grammatically correct, it’s generally considered more appropriate for neutral to formal settings, carrying a weight that might feel out of place in very casual conversations. Consider alternative phrasing like ""a remarkable individual"" or ""a notable figure"" to vary your vocabulary, or in informal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remarkable individual

Focuses on the individual's overall noteworthiness.

an exceptional personality

Highlights the uniqueness and positive traits of the personality.

a notable figure

Emphasizes the person's recognition and importance.

an esteemed person

Highlights the respect and admiration the person receives.

a prominent leader

Specifies the person's leading role and influence.

a celebrated figure

Focuses on the person's fame and public acclaim.

a respected professional

Highlights the person's competence and standing in their profession.

an accomplished person

Emphasizes the person's achievements and skills.

a person of high caliber

Emphasizes the person's excellence and quality.

a figure of repute

Focuses on the person's good reputation and standing.

FAQs

How can I use "a distinguished character" in a sentence?

You can use "a distinguished character" to describe someone known for their notable qualities. For example, "The biography profiles "a distinguished character" in the history of science".

What are some alternatives to "a distinguished character"?

Alternatives include "a remarkable individual", "a notable figure", or "an esteemed person", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a distinguished character" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a distinguished character" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler and more relatable language.

What qualities make someone "a distinguished character"?

A distinguished character possesses notable qualities, achievements, or a reputation that sets them apart and earns them respect and admiration.