are distinguished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are distinguished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more subjects are recognized as different or unique in some way. Example: "The two species are distinguished by their coloration and size."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two dialectal varieties are distinguished.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Specimens are distinguished by fluorescence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both surveys are distinguished.

The New York Times - Arts

The precedents are distinguished.

The New York Times - Books

Two classes of polymerization usually are distinguished.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sprints are distinguished by their brevity.

The New York Times

They are distinguished by relatively few characteristics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two developmental trajectories are distinguished.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

They are distinguished by their unphotographic look.

The New York Times - Arts

Burns and Dydo are distinguished Stein scholars.

The New Yorker

Three fiscal policy regimes are distinguished.

European Journal of Political Economy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are distinguished", ensure that the criteria for distinction are clear and specific. This provides clarity and strengthens the overall meaning of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "are distinguished" without specifying what sets the subjects apart. Vague or missing criteria can render the statement meaningless or confusing to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are distinguished" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically indicating that certain items or concepts have notable differences, qualities or characteristics that set them apart. As Ludwig AI shows, its usage is widespread across diverse textual contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are distinguished" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread presence across various contexts, especially within scientific, news, and encyclopedia articles. It serves to differentiate between entities based on specific criteria. While generally neutral to formal in tone, using the phrase effectively requires clarity in specifying the distinguishing characteristics to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "are differentiated" or "are identified" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are differentiated

Emphasizes the process of actively making something different, whereas "are distinguished" focuses more on the recognition of existing differences.

are identified

Focuses on the act of recognizing or pointing out specific qualities or characteristics, rather than emphasizing a broader sense of distinction.

are recognized

Highlights the act of acknowledging or noticing a difference, with less emphasis on the nature of the difference itself.

are known for

Implies a widespread awareness or reputation for certain qualities, shifting the focus from differentiation to acknowledged attributes.

are characterized by

Indicates that certain features are typical or defining, rather than necessarily unique.

are set apart

Highlights the act of being separated or made distinct from others, adding emphasis on the separation.

are notable for

Emphasizes the noteworthiness of certain qualities, rather than simply their distinctness.

are marked by

Indicates the presence of a defining characteristic, which may or may not be unique.

are discernible

Implies that differences are capable of being detected or perceived.

are individual

Focuses on uniqueness and particularity, shifting the emphasis from comparative differences to intrinsic qualities.

FAQs

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

Use "are distinguished" to indicate that items or concepts have notable differences. For example, "These two species "are distinguished by" their size and habitat."

What is an alternative to saying "are distinguished"?

Alternatives include "are identified", "are differentiated", or "are recognized", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is distinguished" instead of "are distinguished"?

No, "is distinguished" is used for singular subjects, while "are distinguished" is used for plural subjects. For example, "This feature is distinguished by its color", but "These features "are distinguished by" their patterns."

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

"Are different" simply indicates that there is a difference, while "are distinguished" implies a more noticeable or significant difference. "Are distinguished" often implies specific criteria or features that set them apart. You can replace with "are differentiated"