a real distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing a significant difference between two or more things. Example: "There is a real distinction between theoretical knowledge and practical experience in this field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Finally, for FitzRalph actual knowledge is really distinct from the species in memory, i.e., there is a real distinction between the powers.

SEP

He denied a real distinction between essence and existence and between the soul and its faculties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There's a real distinction, as there is between Christian and Christianist.

The New Yorker

Mr. Rosenshine credited Mr. Enrico with creating a real distinction between Pepsi and Coke.

The New York Times

The councils confirmed a real distinction in God, between the unknowable essence and the energies which make possible a real communion with God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1993, Adler and Holman decided to start a series at the Fez that would bring rappers and spoken-word poets together and so challenge the idea that there was a real distinction between the two.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

To be sure, there is a very real distinction between extorting a bribe for a Senate seat and using connections to find a job.

Huffington Post

Thus, in his later years he developed an ontology of macro-objects based on a threefold real distinction between categorial items or simple objects and state of affairs (his propositiones in re), between universals and individuals, and among the ten categories.

SEP

"Whereas in the 19th century a very real distinction could be made between the vernacular and standard diction as they were used in prose," Bridgman wrote, "in the 20th century the vernacular had virtually become standard".

The New York Times - Books

This likely reflects a very real distinction about how different workers in these LHDs view their role in relation to providing essential public health services.

Human Resources for Health

David Moyes celebrates his 10th anniversary at Everton on Wednesday - an achievement of real distinction and a reflection on the scale of his work in an era when some managers get months rather than years.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a real distinction" to clearly indicate a significant and meaningful difference, avoiding vagueness. For example, "There's a real distinction between understanding the rules and mastering the game."

Common error

Avoid using "a real distinction" when a more straightforward term like "difference" or "contrast" would be clearer and more concise. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real distinction" functions as a noun phrase that describes a significant difference between two or more entities. It emphasizes the authenticity and importance of the difference. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real distinction" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to emphasize a significant and meaningful difference. According to Ludwig, this phrase is seen across diverse sources, with a slight inclination towards science, news, and encyclopedia contexts. When incorporating "a real distinction" into your writing, ensure it genuinely highlights a fundamental difference and not just a superficial one. Prefer simpler language when a distinction is already clearly implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine difference

Replaces "real" with "genuine", emphasizing authenticity of the difference.

a true differentiation

Substitutes "distinction" with "differentiation" and "real" with "true", highlighting the act of distinguishing.

an essential difference

Highlights that the difference is fundamental or necessary.

a marked contrast

Uses "contrast" instead of "distinction", focusing on the degree of difference.

a significant separation

Replaces "distinction" with "separation", emphasizing the act of setting apart.

a clear division

Uses "division" instead of "distinction", implying a more defined boundary.

a substantial variation

Emphasizes that the difference is considerable in amount or degree.

a notable divergence

Focuses on the act of moving in different directions or paths.

a tangible dissimilarity

Highlights that the lack of similarity can be easily perceived.

a concrete demarcation

Highlights that the separation between entities is evident and well-defined.

FAQs

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

Use "a real distinction" to highlight a noteworthy difference between two or more things. For instance, "There is "a real distinction" between knowledge and wisdom."

What phrases are similar to "a real distinction"?

Alternatives include "a genuine difference", "a true differentiation", or "a marked contrast", which all emphasize a notable difference.

Is there a difference between "a real distinction" and "a significant difference"?

While similar, "a real distinction" often implies a more fundamental or essential difference than "a significant difference", which simply suggests importance. The choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a real distinction" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that the difference you're highlighting is not superficial but rather fundamental and impactful. For example, "There's "a real distinction" between opinion and fact."