are distinct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are distinct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more items, concepts, or entities are different from each other in a significant way. Example: "The two species of birds are distinct in their coloration and behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are distinct.

The New York Times

"The notes are distinct.

The New Yorker

Both are distinct drawbacks.

The New York Times - Books

The two holidays are distinct.

The New York Times

But they are distinct personalities.

The Economist

But they are distinct.

Harvard University

The two markets are distinct.

The New York Times

Currently, the services are distinct.

The Washington Post

The words themselves are distinct too.

The New York Times - Books

The two authors' methods, however, are distinct.

The New York Times - Books

The Catalans and Basques really are distinct.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are distinct" when you want to emphasize a clear and easily perceivable difference between two or more entities. This phrase is particularly useful in formal writing and academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "are distinct" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "are different" or "aren't the same" are often more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are distinct" functions as a copular verb followed by an adjective, serving to attribute a quality of being clearly differentiated to a subject. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase effectively indicates a noticeable difference between two or more entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are distinct" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight clear differences between entities. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for emphasizing easily perceivable distinctions. It appears most often in news, science, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While effective in formal writing, simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual communication. Remember to use "are distinct from" rather than "are distinct than" when specifying what the subjects are differentiated from.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are different

Emphasizes the difference between two or more things, without necessarily implying a clear separation.

differ

A general term indicating a variance or distinction, applicable in various contexts.

are separate

Highlights the state of being apart or not connected, stressing the lack of unity.

are not the same

States a direct contrast, clarifying that two or more things do not share an identity.

are differentiated

Focuses on the act of distinguishing between items, often in a technical or analytical context.

are unlike

Emphasizes the absence of similarity, highlighting the unique qualities of each item.

are dissimilar

Indicates a lack of resemblance or likeness, suggesting a weaker form of distinction.

diverge

Implies a branching out or deviation from a common point, emphasizing the separation over time.

contrast

Focuses on the opposing qualities or characteristics of two or more things, highlighting their differences.

stand apart

Suggests a noticeable difference or uniqueness that makes something easily distinguishable.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are distinct" indicates that two or more things are clearly different. For example, "The symptoms of the two diseases "are distinct", making diagnosis easier".

What's the difference between "are distinct" and "are different"?

"Are distinct" implies a clearer, more easily perceivable difference than "are different". While both indicate dissimilarity, "are distinct" emphasizes the clarity and obviousness of the difference. You can also use "are separate".

What can I say instead of "are distinct"?

You can use alternatives like "are different", "are separate", or "are dissimilar" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are distinct from" or "are distinct than"?

"Are distinct from" is the correct form. The preposition "from" is used to indicate separation or difference. "Than" is used for comparisons of degree, not for indicating distinctness. The phrase "are differentiated from" may also be applicable.