be distinctive of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be distinctive of" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to native speakers.
It can be used when describing something that characterizes or is indicative of a particular quality or feature. Example: "The bright colors of the painting are distinctive of the artist's unique style."

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This double onset of sexual development seems to be distinctive of the genus Homo.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Each of those slopes, grooves, valleys define a pattern or combination of features that can be distinctive of a population".

BBC

The above approach is useful in that it allows visualization of the hue but also of the intensity of the luminescence, which in certain cases, may be distinctive of the red lake [29].

Heritage Science

Thus, the new entrants were determined to contribute as educators, sometimes as engaged intellectuals involved in movement organizations, by identifying and contributing to, or by helping to forge anew, philosophical traditions, literatures, and practices intended, in many instances, to be distinctive of the thought- and life-agendas of Black peoples.

SEP

Microorganisms are able to communicate and cooperate to perform complex social behaviors once believed to be distinctive of multicellular organisms [ 1- 5].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

To date, no HECT-type or canonical RING-type E3s have been reported to build linear poly-ubiquitin chains, suggesting that this property may be distinctive of RBR E3s.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The four posts are distinctive of Australian rules football.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But when she's good, as here, she is distinctive of voice.

The New York Times

In the social act the future controls present conduct, and this is distinctive of consciousness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Take whatever you think was distinctive of it, whatever combination of customs, ideas, and material things that made England characteristically English then.

The Guardian

Rejecting Nestle's appeal, Judge Colin Birss said in the high court in London: "The evidence clearly supports a finding that purple is distinctive of Cadbury for milk chocolate".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and conciseness, consider using "characteristic of" or "typical of" as alternatives to "be distinctive of", particularly in general writing. Reserve "be distinctive of" for contexts where you wish to emphasize a unique or identifying quality.

Common error

Avoid using "be distinctive of" excessively in casual or general writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "characteristic of" or "unique to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be distinctive of" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a quality or characteristic that sets something apart from others. It indicates a specific feature or set of features that makes something easily identifiable or unique.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be distinctive of" is used to highlight unique or characteristic features. Ludwig AI suggests that while grammatically sound, it's not as common in everyday speech. It functions as a predicate adjective and serves to categorize based on distinguishing attributes. Its register is formal, frequently appearing in science, encyclopedias and media, but not necessarily the best option for informal writing. Alternatives like "characteristic of" or "unique to" may provide a smoother tone in certain contexts. Though acceptable, writers should be mindful of the context when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be characteristic of

Replaces "distinctive" with "characteristic", emphasizing typical traits rather than uniqueness.

be typical of

Similar to "be characteristic of", focusing on common or representative features.

be unique to

Highlights exclusivity and absence of similar features elsewhere.

be indicative of

Shifts focus to something serving as a sign or indication of something else.

be representative of

Emphasizes that something is a typical example or embodiment of a larger group.

set apart

Highlights the feature that differentiates something from the rest.

distinguish

Focuses on the act of differentiating something from others.

mark

Focuses on a feature that clearly identifies something.

differentiate

Highlights the quality that causes something to be not alike.

be peculiar to

Similar to 'be unique to' but suggesting something strange or unusual.

FAQs

What does "be distinctive of" mean?

The phrase "be distinctive of" means to have qualities or characteristics that set something apart or make it easily recognizable. It implies that something has features that are unique or particularly noticeable.

How can I use "be distinctive of" in a sentence?

You can use "be distinctive of" to describe features that are unique or characteristic to something. For example, "The elaborate ornamentation "is distinctive of" baroque architecture."

What are some alternatives to "be distinctive of"?

Alternatives to "be distinctive of" include "be characteristic of", "be unique to", "be typical of", and "be indicative of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be distinctive of" formal or informal language?

While grammatically correct, "be distinctive of" leans toward formal language. In more casual contexts, consider using alternatives like "unique to" or "typical of" for a more approachable tone.