a final distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a final distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe a distinguishing factor or distinction which is greater than all the others that have come before it. For example: "The final distinction between the two applicants was that one had significantly more experience in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A final distinction between State and USAID is worth mentioning: The State Department recruits generalists, who learn to be diplomats through on-the-job experience.

The Washington Post

A final distinction separates contests into two types: those that require at least a minimum of physical skill and those that do not.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A final distinction is made by types of training.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

A final distinction is between respondents who are relatively younger and those who are older.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

A final distinction was made according to the relative frequency along the nucleosomal DNA.

Plosone

A final distinction can be made with a liver biopsy.

Diabetes Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

As omnivorous as Hegel in his cultural appetite and akin to Hegel in the way he collapses any final distinction between the spiritual and the real, Taylor stands as a powerfully original and authentically American exponent of a philosophical tradition that most Americans find deeply antipathetic.

University of Chicago

To make this final distinction we measure the phase of our received signal as we sweep our receiving antenna around in a circle.

Cornell University

The final distinction drawn by Amazon's counsel between the claimed invention and the CompuServe Trend system was that--according to Amazon--the only reason that a purchaser would "call up" the screen would be to actually order an electronic stock chart, and that therefore an earlier action taken by a purchaser to invoke the screen should count as an extra purchaser action.

Harvard University

If in the "realm of morality the final distinctions are between good and evil, in aesthetics beautiful and ugly, in economics profitable and unprofitable," then in politics the defining characteristics should be those between friend and enemy.

Forbes

This orals committee recommends a final grade of distinction, pass, or fail for the entire exam, taking into consideration the student's performance on both the written and oral components.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a final distinction", ensure it genuinely represents the last and most important differentiating factor in a series or comparison. Avoid using it prematurely if further distinctions might arise.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is "a final distinction" if it is not definitively the last point of differentiation. Prematurely labeling a distinction as final can weaken your argument if subsequent, more significant differences emerge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a final distinction" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the ultimate differentiating factor in a comparison or analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid construction used to pinpoint the last significant difference.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a final distinction" is a grammatically sound phrase used to highlight the ultimate differentiating factor in a comparison or analysis. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and verifiable. While not exceedingly common, it finds relevance in academic, scientific, and news contexts where precise language is valued. When using this phrase, ensure it genuinely represents the last and most important differentiating factor, avoiding premature declarations. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "the ultimate difference" or "the key differentiator", each offering subtle nuances in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the ultimate difference

Focuses on the end-point difference, highlighting its importance.

the key differentiator

Emphasizes the critical factor setting things apart at the end.

the conclusive difference

Highlights the final, resolving aspect of the distinction.

the deciding factor

Focuses on the role of the distinction in making a final decision.

the last dividing line

Uses a metaphorical boundary to stress the ultimate separation.

the terminal difference

Similar to ultimate, implies a final and unchangeable distinction.

the paramount distinction

Highlights the supreme importance of the final distinguishing feature.

the culminating contrast

Focuses on the distinction as a climax of previous differences.

the end distinction

Simpler and more direct, highlights the final position of the distinction.

the concluding difference

Stresses the role of the distinction in bringing a matter to a close.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a final distinction" in a sentence?

Use "a final distinction" to highlight the last and most crucial difference after a series of comparisons or considerations. For example, "After reviewing all candidates, "a final distinction" was the level of experience".

What are some alternatives to using "a final distinction"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the ultimate difference", "the key differentiator", or "the deciding factor". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a final distinction" in formal writing?

Yes, "a final distinction" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic, scientific, or business contexts where precise and structured comparisons are essential.

What makes "a final distinction" different from a regular distinction?

While a regular distinction simply points out a difference, "a final distinction" indicates the last and often the most important difference in a series of considerations, implying that no further distinctions will be made.