are completely distinct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are completely distinct" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more things that are entirely different from each other. Example: "The two theories are completely distinct, each offering a unique perspective on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

But the temperaments of the two conductors are completely distinct.

The New York Times - Arts

But for the most part, the two halves of their course are completely distinct.

The Guardian

If the court strikes down the entire law, many experts are skeptical that lawmakers will go ahead with funds for programs like the new Prevention and Public Health Fund, even if they are completely distinct from the controversial aspects of the law seeking to overhaul the insurance markets.

The New York Times - Health

Various countries have installed their own test systems to study about the reliability and feasibility of islanding which are completely distinct from each other.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

This theory highlighted the parallels between leaves and shoots and contrasted with an alternative view that leaves, with their limited growth potential, are completely distinct from shoots.

Annals of Botany

If I say there are three ways to get from my house to my office, I don't mean to say that these three are completely distinct.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

There is such interaction even between the two major groups of insecticides, though they are usually thought to be completely distinct in their action.

The New Yorker

"I'm just looking for new blood that's not tied to any roots, someone who's completely distinct from the system," Mr. Thompson said.

The New York Times

Geoffroy thought that they did and that all animals, in fact, were representatives of only one type, whereas Cuvier insisted that his four types were completely distinct.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He considered the father of Christ to be completely distinct from the creator God of Judaism and saw only contrasts between Jewish religion and the Christian Gospels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I think it's totally about making interesting and diverse music - and I think the reason that there is a strong scene here now is because there is a similar vein running through everyone's music, yet everyone's completely distinct," says 22-year-old Jamie Gilling, singer and guitarist of Sunderland folk outfit, Lilliput.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are completely distinct", ensure that the context clearly establishes the two or more subjects being compared to emphasize their lack of overlap or shared qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "are completely distinct" when describing items that share some fundamental similarities. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where the differences are absolute and leave no room for confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are completely distinct" functions as a copular verb phrase emphasizing the separation between two or more subjects. Ludwig examples show it used to highlight clear, non-overlapping differences in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are completely distinct" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the total lack of overlap or similarity between two or more things. According to Ludwig, it is prevalent in scientific and news contexts where precision is essential. While alternatives like "are entirely separate" or "are totally different" exist, "are completely distinct" provides a strong and clear statement of differentiation. When using the phrase, it is crucial to ensure the subjects being compared genuinely possess no shared qualities to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are entirely separate

Emphasizes the separation between two or more entities, focusing on their lack of connection.

are totally different

Highlights the dissimilarity between two or more things, stressing their lack of resemblance.

are utterly dissimilar

Stresses the difference between two or more things, emphasizing a strong divergence.

are worlds apart

Implies a significant difference between two or more things, suggesting they exist in different realms or contexts.

bear no resemblance

Indicates a lack of similarity between two or more things, emphasizing the absence of shared characteristics.

are markedly different

Highlights the noticeable difference between two or more things, indicating a clear distinction.

differ significantly

Emphasizes the substantial difference between two or more things, suggesting a considerable divergence.

are poles apart

Suggests a strong opposition or contrast between two or more things, implying they are at opposite extremes.

stand in stark contrast

Highlights the sharp difference between two or more things, emphasizing their distinct qualities.

are distinctly individual

Focuses on the unique characteristics of each entity, emphasizing their separate identities.

FAQs

How can I use "are completely distinct" in a sentence?

Use "are completely distinct" to emphasize that two or more things have no overlap in characteristics or function. For example: "The symptoms of the two diseases "are completely distinct"."

What are some alternatives to "are completely distinct"?

Alternatives include "are entirely separate", "are totally different", or "are utterly dissimilar", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "are completely distinct"?

While "distinct" already implies a degree of separation, adding "completely" reinforces the absolute lack of overlap between the items being described.

When is it not appropriate to use "are completely distinct"?

Avoid using "are completely distinct" when there are shared characteristics, functions or sources between the subjects you are describing. In cases of partial similarity, use phrases such as "are somewhat different" or "have some distinctions".