a great distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant difference or notable recognition between two or more things. Example: "Receiving the award was a great distinction for her career, highlighting her contributions to the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I've done computers long enough I don't draw a great distinction between when I'm using it and not," said Mr. Burton, who added that computers were simply a tool in the learning process.

The New York Times - Tech

He featured on a cigarette card which was a great distinction in those days".

BBC

"This is a great distinction for him and a clear recognition of his many achievements, above all, his role as research director at DESY," says Heuer's current boss, DESY chair Albrecht Wagner.

Science Magazine

However, there is a great distinction between tolerating something and being intolerant.

Huffington Post

What I am saying is that it is important for university administrators and tech transfer offices to understand that there is a great distinction between licensing intellectual property to large, existing companies ("Industry" as we say) and licensing IP (and taking equity in!) a fledgling entity that is being formed for the express purpose of commercializing that IP.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

There is a greater distinction between the right and left brain among boys than girls, and worse linguistic skills.

The New York Times - Magazine

Max Beerbohm once wrote that there would come a moment when knights would constitute a majority of the population and it would be deemed a greater distinction not to be a knight than to be one.

The Guardian - Opinion

She said a greater distinction also needed to be made between legal aid, which provides the bulk of its advice to perpetrators, and community legal centres, whose client base is comprised mostly of victims.

The Guardian

"I soon realized that it didn't matter what I said or did," Devlin realizes, "so eager were they to meet an explorer, so determined to find him interesting and thus make it a greater distinction to have been among the first to meet him".

The New York Times - Books

Parts 7 (1978) and 8 (1979) are built on burbling, insistently rhythmic lines that are not too distant from what Philip Glass was writing at the time, but Mr. Borden made a greater distinction between melodic strands than Mr. Glass did back then.

The New York Times - Arts

These changes are interesting in the scope of brain exploration, but more importantly, could lead to a greater distinction of connectivity abnormalities in clinical cohorts or longitudinal changes in individual brains.

Brain Informatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great distinction" when you want to emphasize a notable difference or a significant honor. Ensure the context clearly establishes what is being distinguished from what.

Common error

Avoid using "a great distinction" in contexts where the difference or achievement is not clearly defined or significant. Vague usage weakens the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great distinction" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It denotes a significant difference or a noteworthy honor, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great distinction" is a noun phrase used to emphasize a significant difference or noteworthy honor. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news media and scientific writing. While not extremely common, the phrase is valuable for highlighting substantial and meaningful differences or achievements. Using it correctly can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. Remember to ensure the context makes clear what is being distinguished.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant difference

Focuses on the degree of difference rather than the honor associated with the distinction.

an important contrast

Highlights the importance of the contrast between two things.

a marked contrast

Emphasizes the noticeable difference between two things.

a radical difference

Emphasizes the fundamental and extreme nature of the difference.

a considerable disparity

Highlights an inequality or imbalance that is substantial.

a substantial gap

Emphasizes the space or interval between two points or qualities.

a profound divergence

Indicates a deep and fundamental difference in opinion or direction.

a noteworthy achievement

Shifts the focus to accomplishment and recognition, rather than difference.

a clear demarcation

Focuses on the act of setting or marking limits or boundaries.

a remarkable feat

Focuses on an action or accomplishment that is particularly impressive.

FAQs

How can I use "a great distinction" in a sentence?

Use "a great distinction" to highlight a notable difference or honor. For example, "There is "a great distinction" between tolerating something and being intolerant."

What can I say instead of "a great distinction"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant difference", "a marked contrast", or "a noteworthy achievement depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a great distinction"?

It is appropriate when highlighting a significant difference, an important contrast, or a notable achievement. It's most effective when the distinction has importance or value.

What is the difference between "a great distinction" and "a subtle difference"?

"A great distinction" emphasizes a clear and significant difference, while "a subtle difference" implies a difference that is not immediately obvious and requires careful observation.