a substantial distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant, notable, or meaningful difference between two things. For example, "There is a substantial distinction between the similarities and differences between these two cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Except there is a substantial distinction in the small print.

BBC

His account required a substantial distinction between logical form and grammatical form as traditionally conceived.

SEP

In the European Court of Human Right's case law, a substantial distinction is thus made between the choices of justification when processing sensitive data.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Similarly, the morphological studies based on the absence of kinetoplast in a variable proportion of the population ranging from 0% (T. equinum) to 100% or intermediary (T. venezuelense) did not lead to any substantial distinction, and the dyskinetoplastic (or even akinetoplastic) strains are no longer regarded as different from T. evansi.

BioMed Research International

In 1909, the Supreme Court of the United States propounded a test to determine the reasonableness of a classification, stating that the classification "must always rest upon some real and substantial distinction bearing a reasonable and just relation to the things in respect to which the classification is made".

Wikipedia

That the distinction between constitutive and instantiated properties makes no sense in the case of "the mover moves" shows that there is no substantial distinction between these properties, and that the conceptualization of a situation in terms of these is purely a result of cognitive convenience.

SEP

Because watching Kramer's spluttered evangelising of his latest scheme (hooking Jerry up on illegal cable TV), with the same brand of unhinged vehemence displayed by Michael Richards to such hateful ends, made me wonder: perhaps the real reason I can't distinguish Richards from Kramer is because there is no substantial distinction to be found?

The Guardian

Formation of bimetallic particles Ag/Cu is complicated because of substantial distinction of oxidizing potentials 0.337 V for copper and 0.799 V for silver.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Furthermore, there was no substantial distinction among the final cell densities after 12 h or 24 h fermentation in the observed concentrations of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF).

Biotechnology for Biofuels

While is true that the ways in which we can define this age and its features possess substantial distinctions, authors agree that information and communication technologies constitute an essential dimension in the creation, dissemination and use of the knowledge and, therefore, in society's structural transformation processes (Castells & Cardoso, 2005).

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Because of the substantial distinctions between the two, brokers and real estate lawyers advise buyers to hire an experienced landlord-tenant lawyer at the outset of the purchase process.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantial distinction", ensure that the context clearly establishes the two elements being compared and that the distinction is indeed significant enough to warrant the adjective "substantial".

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial distinction" when the difference is minor or negligible. Overusing such phrases can diminish their impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial distinction" functions as a noun phrase that highlights a significant difference or contrast between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The examples show its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial distinction" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a significant difference between two or more things. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears across various contexts, including news, scientific publications, and general discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that the difference is truly significant and avoid overstating its importance. Consider alternatives like "a significant difference" or "a marked divergence" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant difference

Replaces "distinction" with "difference" and "substantial" with "significant", both conveying a similar level of importance.

a considerable contrast

Uses "contrast" instead of "distinction", highlighting the degree of difference, while "considerable" replaces "substantial".

a marked divergence

"Divergence" suggests a deviation or separation, replacing "distinction", and "marked" for "substantial", indicating a noticeable difference.

a noteworthy difference

"Noteworthy" emphasizes that the difference is worth paying attention to, substituting "substantial".

a pronounced difference

"Pronounced" highlights the obviousness of the difference, in place of "substantial".

a tangible distinction

"Tangible" implies that the distinction is clear and evident, replacing "substantial".

a meaningful distinction

"Meaningful" emphasizes the importance and relevance of the distinction, substituting "substantial".

a considerable variation

Uses "variation" instead of "distinction" to suggest a change or difference, while "considerable" replaces "substantial".

a significant separation

Replaces "distinction" with "separation" to indicate a division, while "significant" replaces "substantial".

a major disparity

Uses "disparity" to suggest an inequality or difference, replacing "distinction", with "major" in place of "substantial".

FAQs

What does "a substantial distinction" mean?

The phrase "a substantial distinction" refers to a significant or noteworthy difference between two or more things. The word "substantial" implies that the difference is considerable and not merely superficial.

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

You can use "a substantial distinction" to highlight a significant difference, such as: "There is "a significant difference" /s/between the two proposals that warrants further consideration."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial distinction"?

Some alternatives to "a substantial distinction" include "a significant difference", "a considerable contrast", or "a marked divergence".

Is it better to say "a substantial distinction" or "a significant distinction"?

Both "a substantial distinction" and "a significant distinction" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference and the specific context.