a key distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

"a key distinction" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you need to emphasize a difference between two similar things. For example: "One key distinction between the two candidates is their approach to economic reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a key distinction.

The Guardian - Tech

And maybe that's a key distinction.

The Guardian

How advertising is handled has always been a key distinction between low and high order publishing.

The Guardian - Opinion

That comparison highlights a key distinction between white and nonwhite Democrats.

The New Yorker

This is a key distinction between our own professional league and others that are under governing body control.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a key distinction between Larry David's comedy of awkwardness and its closest predecessor, Woody Allen's comedy of anxiety.

The New Yorker

The tax quandary highlights a key distinction between Russia's industry and Saudi Arabia's, which Russia displaced as the world's largest.

The New York Times

It also seems to offer a key distinction from previous services: Users do not need to search specifically for transit information.

The New York Times

A key distinction between consuming news on the internet versus print or TV is the constant access and ability to sink into deep rabbit holes for the former, as the Boston Marathon study demonstrates.

The New York Times

It pinpoints exactly what prodded Cooke to write a civil-rights-themed protest song, but says nothing about the specific protest song Cooke wound up writing, let alone the record he created (a key distinction, which is too often elided).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The filmmakers' deliberately narrow and selective view of life in Germany, or, rather, West Germany��a key distinction is suggested by the omission precisely of indicia of the division of Germany, and of Berlin.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key distinction" when you want to emphasize an important difference that helps in understanding a concept, argument, or situation. It's useful to highlight pivotal factors.

Common error

While "a key distinction" is useful, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider varying your language with synonyms like "a significant difference" or "a crucial contrast".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key distinction" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant difference or point of separation between two or more things. Ludwig shows its use to clarify understanding or highlight important aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key distinction" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize an important difference. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in both news and scientific contexts. While versatile, avoid overuse by varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "a significant difference" or "a crucial contrast". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English, particularly when clarity and emphasis are needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major distinction

Suggests that the difference is substantial in scale or importance.

a critical difference

Highlights that the difference is decisive or has a significant impact.

a crucial distinction

Stresses the importance of the difference for a specific outcome.

a vital difference

Indicates the difference is essential or necessary.

a significant difference

Emphasizes the magnitude of the difference.

a fundamental difference

Indicates that the difference is basic or essential.

an important contrast

Highlights the act of comparing things to show their differences.

a marked contrast

Highlights a noticeable or clear difference.

a telling difference

Implies that the difference reveals something important or significant.

a notable divergence

Focuses on the point where things start to go in different directions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key distinction" to highlight an important difference between two concepts or things. For example: "A key distinction between these two approaches is their focus on short-term versus long-term goals."

What phrases are similar to "a key distinction"?

Alternatives include "a significant difference", "a crucial distinction", or "an important contrast". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "a key distinction" when pointing out differences?

No, it's not always necessary. While "a key distinction" is useful for emphasizing important differences, simpler phrases like "the difference is" or "importantly" can also be effective, especially in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "a key distinction" and "a subtle difference"?

"A key distinction" highlights a major, important difference, while "a subtle difference" refers to a difference that is not immediately obvious and requires careful observation to detect.