are distinctive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are distinctive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe characteristics or features that set something apart from others. Example: "The colors and patterns of these birds are distinctive, making them easily recognizable in their natural habitat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These murders are distinctive.

The New York Times - Books

Stephen Crane's poems are distinctive.

The Guardian - Books

They are distinctive".

The Guardian - Opinion

Wetlands are distinctive ecosystems.

Creating and Restoring Wetlands From Theory to Practice

His clothes are distinctive and well made.

The New York Times

The grounds are distinctive as well.

The New York Times

The houses in the area are distinctive.

The New York Times

The species are distinctive but intermediates exist.

University of California, Berkeley

There are plenty of things that are distinctive about Starbucks.

The New Yorker

The four posts are distinctive of Australian rules football.

Britannica

The development of communities that are distinctive and unique.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are distinctive", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the subject is being distinguished from. Provide specific details to highlight the unique qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "are distinctive" without providing specific reasons or characteristics that make the subject stand out. Vague statements weaken the impact of the phrase. Instead, offer concrete details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are distinctive" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a subject by attributing to it unique or characteristic qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are distinctive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize unique or characteristic qualities that differentiate a subject. According to Ludwig AI, its correctness is confirmed. The phrase's neutral register and applicability across various contexts—from scientific research to news reporting—make it a versatile choice for highlighting what sets something apart. Remember to provide specific details when using this phrase to maximize its impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are unique

Emphasizes the singularity and unmatched nature of something.

stand out

Focuses on the prominence and noteworthiness of something.

are markedly different

Emphasizes the degree to which something differs from others.

are characteristic

Highlights the typical or defining traits of something.

are remarkable

Indicates something is worthy of attention due to its exceptional quality.

are notable

Implies something is worth noticing or remembering.

set themselves apart

Highlights the action of distinguishing oneself from others.

possess individuality

Highlights the quality of being individual or distinct.

display singularity

Similar to "are unique" but emphasizes a one-of-a-kind nature.

exhibit peculiarity

Indicates something has unusual or strange qualities.

FAQs

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

Use "are distinctive" to highlight unique characteristics that set something apart. For example, "The markings on this butterfly "are distinctive" and help it blend in with its environment."

What can I say instead of "are distinctive"?

You can use alternatives like "are unique", "stand out", or "are characteristic" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "are distinctive" and "are unique"?

"Are distinctive" implies having particular features that set something apart, while "are unique" suggests being the only one of its kind. Distinctive features may be shared by a few, but uniqueness is exclusive.

Is it redundant to say "very distinctive"?

While "distinctive" already implies a high degree of difference, using "very distinctive" can add emphasis, but it should be used sparingly to avoid sounding repetitive. Consider using other alternatives like "particularly notable".