at a distinct rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a distinct rate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the speed or frequency of an action or process that is clearly defined or different from others. Example: "The population of the city is growing at a distinct rate compared to the surrounding areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In addition, each helix was partitioned as if it had evolved at a distinct rate.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

An uncorrelated clock has a distinct rate along each branch, with the rates drawn at random from a specified probability distribution, thus allowing random and frequent rate shifts.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Therefore it is possible for each branch of the tree to coalesce at a rate distinct from all other branches, and the rate of coalescence between a given pair of branches may be distinct from all other pairs of branches.

Genetics

The highly expanded EGNF structure oxidizes at two distinct rates at 750 °C in CO2, leading to a highly-disordered graphitic fiber, with apparent collapse of the expanded structure as no gaps or discrete graphitic domains are observed after oxidation.

Carbon

Heat treatment of concrete during the early stages of hydration using the new radio wave technology enables a uniform energy supply at distinct rates under steady, closed-loop temperature control.

Construction and Building Materials

We assume that they are each transcribed at two distinct rates: basal (r E for enzyme E, see the dashed downward arrow in (1) below) when the pH is sufficiently high (indeed, low levels of these transcripts exist before the onset of solventogenesis, see for example [ 37, 38]) and at a higher rate (, see dashed upward arrow in (1)) when the pH of the environment is low.

BMC Systems Biology

The conservation of the C-terminal FIKK-kinase domain and the restricted conservation of the N-terminal domain points to a hybrid gene, with individual components evolving at distinct rates.

BMC Genomics

These "grid cells" appeared to encode different routes, different spatial scales and different points in the environment by firing at distinct rates and frequencies.

Los Angeles Times

It has been suggested that ASEs and constitutively spliced exons (CSEs, exons that are always included in the transcript) are under different selection pressures and evolve at distinct rates – the former have higher nonsynonymous (Ka) substitution rates but lower synonymous (Ks) substitution rates than the latter [ 16, 18, 19, 24- 26].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Thomas Piketty points out that the rate of return on capital is higher than the general growth rate, so capital owners are at a distinct economic advantage.

The Guardian

MORTGAGE shoppers may often feel at a distinct bargaining disadvantage because they are not privy to the same information about interest rates as loan officers and brokers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing evolutionary processes or scientific phenomena, use "at a distinct rate" to emphasize differences in the speed or frequency of change between different elements or systems.

Common error

Avoid using "at a distinct rate" when you simply mean 'different'. "Distinct" implies a clear and easily recognizable difference, while 'different' is a more general term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a distinct rate" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action or process occurs. It indicates that something happens with a clearly distinguishable speed or frequency, as seen in the Ludwig examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a distinct rate" is grammatically sound and used to describe processes occurring at clearly distinguishable speeds or frequencies. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, and is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the difference in rates is significant and easily recognizable. Consider alternatives such as "at a different rate" or "at a separate pace" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a separate pace

Replaces 'rate' with 'pace' implying speed of progress, while 'separate' emphasizes individuality like 'distinct'.

at an individual speed

Replaces 'rate' with 'speed', a direct synonym emphasizing how fast something is moving or occurring; 'individual' emphasizes the separate nature.

at a unique tempo

Substitutes 'rate' with 'tempo', often used in music but applicable to other contexts implying rhythm or speed; 'unique' highlights individuality.

at a particular velocity

Replaces 'rate' with 'velocity' suggesting speed in a specific direction; 'particular' is similar to 'distinct' emphasizing specificity.

at a noticeable frequency

Uses 'frequency' instead of 'rate', applicable when referring to how often something occurs; 'noticeable' suggests something easily observed or distinct.

at an exclusive pace

Replaces 'distinct' with 'exclusive', further stressing the uniqueness of the pace or rate. The word 'exclusive' here means 'unique'.

at a marked level

Changes 'rate' to 'level', focusing on the degree or extent; 'marked' suggests a clear and distinct difference.

at a disparate measure

Substitutes 'rate' with 'measure', referring to a quantity or degree; 'disparate' emphasizes the difference and separation.

at a characteristic rhythm

Uses 'rhythm' instead of 'rate', implying a patterned or regular recurrence; 'characteristic' suggests a unique or distinct quality.

at a singular progression

Changes 'rate' to 'progression' focusing on the process of moving forward; 'singular' emphasizes the unique and distinct nature.

FAQs

How can I use "at a distinct rate" in a sentence?

Use "at a distinct rate" to describe processes that occur at noticeably different speeds or frequencies, highlighting the differences between them. For example: "The two species evolved "at a distinct rate" due to differing environmental pressures."

What are some alternatives to "at a distinct rate"?

Consider using phrases like "at a different rate", "at a separate pace", or "at an individual speed" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "distinct" or "different" when describing rates?

"Distinct" implies a clear, easily observable difference, whereas "different" is more general. Use "distinct" when the difference in rates is significant and noticeable.

What does "at a distinct rate" mean in the context of evolution?

In evolutionary biology, "at a distinct rate" suggests that different species, genes, or traits are evolving at noticeably different speeds due to various factors such as mutation rates, selection pressures, or environmental influences.