are not distinguished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not distinguished" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a lack of differentiation or recognition between two or more things. Example: The two birds are so similar in appearance that they are not distinguished easily by most people. In this sentence, "are not distinguished" conveys that the two birds are not easily distinguishable or tell apart by most people.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The new tablets are not distinguished enough.

The New York Times

These are not distinguished in the PTOA entries.

Cornell University

The most productive factories are not distinguished by a higher degree of automation than their competitors.

The New York Times

Luxury products are not distinguished by their utility, but by their price tag.

Independent

The records of the Gay People's Center are not distinguished from those of the Student Homophile League.

Cornell University

Third, the effects of geomagnetic storms on electrons are not distinguished significantly between in the day and night, and independent of the timing of the events.

Advances in Space Research

But she and her friends say Muslim boys, who are not distinguished by their dress, may have a tougher time in American society.

The New York Times

The two classes of lymphocytes are not distinguished by the usual microscopic examination but rather by the type of immune response they elicit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In preliterate societies he represents the life force of the tribe, in which worldly and spiritual or political and religious spheres are not distinguished.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although prisoners are allowed to receive a "one-off" parcel after they have been convicted, Christmas presents are not distinguished from parcels and are banned.

Independent

'With feet'two-footed'ed'winged'ed'aquatic'ic', are differentiae of 'animal'; the species of knowledge are not distinguished by the same differentiae.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not distinguished" when you want to emphasize that differences are either non-existent or irrelevant in a specific context. Be sure that lack of distinction is the core point you intend to communicate.

Common error

Avoid using "are not distinguished" in overly complex sentences where simpler phrasing would improve clarity. Sometimes a more direct statement about similarity is preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not distinguished" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a passive construction. It indicates a state where two or more entities or concepts lack differentiation or recognition. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

27%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not distinguished" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a lack of discernible difference or recognition between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for written English. It is most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts, carrying a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the absence of distinction is central to your intended meaning and consider simpler alternatives for increased clarity in complex sentences. Remember that "are" corresponds to plural subjects, while "is" should be used with singular subjects. Alternatives like "are not differentiated" and "are not recognized" can provide nuanced variations in meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not differentiated

Focuses on the lack of differentiation between items.

are not discernible

Emphasizes the inability to perceive a difference.

are not recognized

Highlights a lack of formal acknowledgement or identification.

are not identified

Stresses the absence of specific recognition or naming.

are not separated

Indicates a lack of physical or conceptual division.

are not clearly defined

Focuses on the absence of precise boundaries or meanings.

are not distinct

Highlights the absence of unique or individual characteristics.

are not contrasted

Emphasizes the lack of comparison to show differences.

are not set apart

Indicates a failure to isolate or distinguish from a group.

are not made distinct

Highlights the absence of effort to make something different.

FAQs

How can I use "are not distinguished" in a sentence?

Use "are not distinguished" to indicate a lack of difference between two or more items. For example, "In this study, the control group and the experimental group "are not distinguished" by any significant demographic factors".

What's the difference between "are not distinguished" and "are not differentiated"?

"Are not distinguished" implies a failure to notice differences, while "are not differentiated" suggests that the differences may not exist in the first place or have been deliberately ignored. Both can be used interchangeably depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are not distinguished" or "is not distinguished"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "are not distinguished" for plural subjects and "is not distinguished" for singular subjects. For example, "The features are not distinguished" versus "The feature is not distinguished".

What can I say instead of "are not distinguished" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives like "are not discernible", "are not identified", or "are not clearly defined" to maintain a professional tone.