are two distinct things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are two distinct things" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify that two items or concepts are different from each other. Example: "While both methods are effective, they are two distinct things that serve different purposes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Apple, however, seems to reckon mobile advertising and online advertising are two distinct things.

The Guardian - Tech

Aristotle claims that these are two distinct things: and that the latter is only 'potentially' derivable from the former.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Wilder's fiction, her autobiography, and her real childhood as she lived it are three distinct things, but they are all closely intertwined, and readers will enjoy seeing how they reflect one another.

The Guardian - Books

"The chance to work on Broadway choreography as opposed to having to deliver Broadway choreography can be two distinct things," Mr. Woetzel said.

The New York Times

By watching the thoughts, it doesn't take too long to see there is two distinct things happening - a theme and a process.

WikiHow

And while that may seem like a good thing, there are two distinct downsides.

TechCrunch

They are two distinct mediums.

TechCrunch

These are two distinct functions.

Forbes

These are two distinct problems.

SEP

There are two distinct reasons for this.

SEP

There are two distinct views on this.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are two distinct things" to clearly differentiate between concepts or items, especially when there might be a tendency to conflate them. It helps ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "are two distinct things" when a simpler phrase like "are different" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are two distinct things" serves as a declarative statement to highlight the difference or separation between two entities, concepts, or items. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are two distinct things" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to emphasize the difference between two items or concepts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to clarify and prevent potential confusion. It's frequently used in news, scientific writing, and general discussions, making it appropriate for a wide range of contexts. When writing, use it to clearly differentiate items when there is a risk of them being conflated, but avoid overuse to maintain writing impact. Alternatives like "are two separate entities" or "are two different concepts" can be employed to add variety and context-specific precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are two separate entities

Replaces "things" with "entities", emphasizing a formal and clearly defined separation.

are two different concepts

Substitutes "things" with "concepts", focusing on the intellectual or abstract nature of the distinction.

constitute two distinct elements

Uses stronger verbs to highlight that separation involves creating different components.

represent two discrete items

Focuses on the representation of separation using "items" and the adjective "discrete"

are two unrelated matters

Emphasizes a lack of connection or association between the two subjects.

are two individual aspects

Highlights that the difference lies in specific facets or perspectives.

are fundamentally different

Focuses on the basic or essential divergence between the two subjects, highlighting the essence of the distinction.

are clearly differentiated

Highlights the act of distinguishing, useful when the process of separation is important.

are categorically distinct

Suggests that the items belong to entirely separate categories or types.

are not the same

A simpler, more direct way to indicate that two things are different.

FAQs

How can I use "are two distinct things" in a sentence?

Use "are two distinct things" to emphasize the difference between two items or concepts. For example: "Although related, product development and marketing "are two distinct things" requiring different skill sets."

What phrases are similar to "are two distinct things"?

Similar phrases include "are two separate entities", "are two different concepts", and "are fundamentally different". Choose the phrase that best fits the context and the level of formality you need.

When is it appropriate to use "are two distinct things"?

This phrase is appropriate when you need to clarify that two items or ideas, which might be easily confused or seen as the same, are actually separate and different in important ways. It is useful in both formal and informal contexts where clarity is essential.

What's the difference between "are two distinct things" and "are two related things"?

"Are two distinct things" emphasizes that two items are different, while "are two related things" indicates that they have some connection or similarity. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the relationship between the items you are discussing.