are distinctive of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are distinctive of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is characteristic or typical of a particular person, group, or thing. Example: "The vibrant colors and intricate patterns are distinctive of the artist's unique style."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The four posts are distinctive of Australian rules football.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ideas I claim are distinctive of the new atheists have been collected from Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, Jerry Coyne, the American physicist Robert L. Park, and a couple of blogging biologists, P Z Myers and Larry Moran.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps these results are distinctive of cultures in which females are at least implicitly trained to be passive and perceptually diffuse, and in which males are encouraged to assume an active, perceptually articulated stance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These are distinctive of the three levels of monads, respectively, the bare monads, souls, and spirits.

SEP

These positions are distinctive of the generalized 2D semantics and all three are controversial.

SEP

Recall the practical focus and the closeness to pre-theoretical experience that are distinctive of indigenous Chinese philosophy.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

But when she's good, as here, she is distinctive of voice.

The New York Times

In the social act the future controls present conduct, and this is distinctive of consciousness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This double onset of sexual development seems to be distinctive of the genus Homo.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rejecting Nestle's appeal, Judge Colin Birss said in the high court in London: "The evidence clearly supports a finding that purple is distinctive of Cadbury for milk chocolate".

The Guardian - Business

Is there a phenomenology that is distinctive of religious experience?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are distinctive of" when you want to highlight unique or characteristic features that differentiate something from others. This phrase works well in descriptive and analytical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "are distinctive of" in contexts where a simpler adjective like "unique" or "special" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are distinctive of" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun by specifying its unique or characteristic qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

62%

Encyclopedias

17%

News & Media

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are distinctive of" is a commonly used phrase that highlights unique or characteristic features, primarily in formal and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. Alternative phrases such as "are characteristic of" or "are unique to" may be used depending on the desired nuance. While the phrase is versatile, avoid overuse in simpler descriptions to maintain clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are characteristic of

Replaces 'distinctive' with 'characteristic', emphasizing typical qualities.

are typical of

Substitutes 'distinctive' with 'typical', focusing on representative features.

are unique to

Changes the focus to exclusivity, indicating that the features are found only in the specified subject.

are particular to

Highlights specific or individual attributes.

are indicative of

Emphasizes that the features serve as a sign or indication of something.

are representative of

Focuses on how the features exemplify a larger group or category.

are emblematic of

Suggests that the features symbolize or represent something.

set apart from

Shifts the focus to differentiation, indicating how the subject is distinguished from others.

differentiate from

Emphasizes the act of distinguishing or setting apart.

distinguish from

Focuses on the act of recognizing differences.

FAQs

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

Use "are distinctive of" to point out unique or characteristic features that differentiate something. For example, "The intricate designs are distinctive of traditional Japanese art."

What's a good alternative to "are distinctive of"?

Alternatives include "are characteristic of", "are typical of", or "are unique to" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "are distinctive of" or "are characteristic of"?

Both "are distinctive of" and "are characteristic of" are correct, but "are distinctive of" emphasizes unique or distinguishing features, while "are characteristic of" points out typical or representative features.

Can "are distinctive of" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "are distinctive of" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or scientific contexts where precise descriptions are necessary.