are not distinctive to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not distinctive to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not unique or exclusive to a particular group, category, or context. Example: "These features are not distinctive to this brand; many competitors offer similar options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Most names are the usual suspects, but what's interesting is that many of the popular black and hispanic names are not distinctive to race.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The high rate of re-election for state legislators is not distinctive to New York.

The New York Times

Although paralog number suffixes are not generally intended to mark clades, in some cases variants that are not distinctive enough to warrant a letter suffix, nevertheless fall into recognizable clades with subtypes that can be described using a period and additional suffix.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

The songs give off a lovely perfume, but they are not distinctive enough to stand wholly on their own.

The New York Times - Arts

Although NF1 associated duodenal neuroendocrine tumors are not distinctive, they tend to be pure somatostatinomas [ 22, 23] or less frequently gastrinomas, whereas duodenal tumors not associated with NF1 are frequently multihormonal, but asymptomatic [ 24].

BMC Gastroenterology

Unfortunately, the external physical characteristics, such as the size and shape, are not distinctive enough between the genders to make this useful with regards to determining the sex of your rabbit.

WikiHow

However, an inadequately elevated natriuresis and a context of a central nervous lesion are not distinctive of SIADH, so that to differentiate CSW from SIADH one has to rely on the assessment of extracellular volume, a difficult task in routine practice as previously outlined.

Annals of Intensive Care

In New Worlds, Charlie's bigwigs are pitted against Shaftesbury's nascent Whig party whose wigs, confusingly, are not distinctive.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The models created as a result of this action are not distinctive.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

English /l/ and /r/ sounds are not distinctive for Japanese speakers and they are loosely associated with corresponding graphemes.

Neuroscience Letters

Its odor and taste are not distinctive.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not distinctive to" to clearly indicate that certain features or characteristics are shared among different groups or categories, avoiding the implication of exclusivity. For instance, "These symptoms are not distinctive to this disease; they can also indicate other conditions."

Common error

Avoid using "are not distinctive to" when you actually mean something is completely unique. This phrase implies shared traits, not absolute singularity. If something has absolutely no comparable traits, rephrase using terms like "unique" or "unparalleled".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not distinctive to" functions as a qualifier, indicating that certain attributes or characteristics are not unique or exclusive to a particular entity, group, or context. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not distinctive to" is used to express that certain characteristics are not unique to a specific subject. It is grammatically correct and functions as a qualifier. As Ludwig AI points out, it is used across News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, make sure to clarify that a certain feature is common across multiple categories, not limited to just one, and avoid overstating uniqueness. Alternatives include phrases like ""are not unique to"" or "are not specific to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not unique to

This alternative emphasizes the lack of exclusivity for a particular group or category.

are not exclusive to

Similar to "are not unique to", this emphasizes the shared nature of something.

are not specific to

This highlights the absence of a particular association or connection.

are not particular to

This suggests that something is not limited to a specific case or instance.

are not limited to

This highlights that something is not confined to a certain boundary or scope.

are not characteristic of

This denotes that something does not represent the typical features of a group.

are not confined to

Similar to "are not limited to", this indicates a lack of confinement.

are not restricted to

This suggests that something is not subject to certain limitations or conditions.

are not typical of

This indicates that something does not conform to the usual pattern or standard.

are not isolated to

This points out that something is not separated or detached from other instances.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is not distinctive to" a particular group?

It means that the characteristic or feature being discussed is not unique or exclusive to that group. Other groups or things may also share that same characteristic. The opposite would be to say something is "distinctive to" a group, meaning it's a defining trait.

How can I use "are not distinctive to" in a sentence?

Use "are not distinctive to" to clarify that a feature is common across multiple categories, not limited to just one. For example, "The challenges they face "are not unique to" this company; many startups experience similar issues."

Which is correct, "are distinctive to" or "are distinctive of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Are distinctive to" emphasizes exclusivity or a defining characteristic, while "are distinctive of" highlights typical features or traits. Consider which nuance best fits your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "are not distinctive to" and "are not specific to"?

While both phrases express a lack of uniqueness, "are not distinctive to" suggests the features could still be somewhat associated but not definitively defining, while "are not specific to" implies an even broader range of applicability.