be distinguished by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be distinguished by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase "be distinguished by" to indicate that something is unique or easily identified because of a particular quality or characteristic. For example: "The painting is distinguished by its bold colors and use of texture."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These populations can be distinguished by the cytokines they secrete.

Britannica

But they could be distinguished by nuclear DNA tests.

The New York Times - Science

Land arranging operations can be distinguished by the land use.

Procedia Engineering

I never wanted to be distinguished by being a woman".

Independent

What's more, they may be distinguished by certain expressions.

The New York Times - Science

Two deformation regimes could be distinguished by their stress exponents.

Acta Materialia

Layers may be distinguished by differences in colour, particle size, type of cement, or internal arrangement.

Britannica

The two species can be distinguished by the colour of the fur on the throat.

Britannica

These effects likely arise from distinct mechanism that cannot be distinguished by cross-sectional studies.

Nature

Those specific stages of anthropogenic prehistoric erosion can be distinguished by dating methods.

Quaternary International

Enantiomers are chiral objects such as chemical molecules that can be distinguished by their handedness.

Computers & Fluids

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be distinguished by", ensure that the distinguishing characteristic is clearly stated and relevant to the subject. It should provide meaningful information or insight.

Common error

Avoid using "be distinguished by" with overly broad or subjective characteristics. Instead, specify concrete, measurable, or otherwise clearly identifiable traits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be distinguished by" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, highlighting a specific characteristic that sets a subject apart. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate uniqueness. For example, "TH1 and TH2 cells can be distinguished by the cytokines they secrete."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

Encyclopedias

17%

News & Media

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be distinguished by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction that points out the defining or differentiating characteristics of a subject. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and utility. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, it's commonly found in scientific, encyclopedic, and news-related content. The related phrases offer alternatives that, while similar, provide slightly different nuances, such as emphasizing typical features, recognition, or fame. Using "be distinguished by" effectively requires clearly stating the distinguishing feature to add meaningful context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be differentiated by

Emphasizes the act of telling apart by considering what makes two things dissimilar.

be characterized by

Focuses on the typical or prominent features that define something.

be identified by

Emphasizes the ability to recognize something based on specific traits.

be known for

Highlights the most famous or well-recognized aspect of something.

be marked by

Indicates the presence of a noticeable or significant feature.

stand out because of

Stresses the quality that makes something noticeable or exceptional.

be defined by

Explains how something's essence or boundaries are determined by specific attributes.

be recognized through

Highlights the means by which something is identified.

be discerned by

Focuses on the act of perceiving or understanding differences.

hinge on

Points out that the key aspect to understand is based on a particular detail.

FAQs

How can I use "be distinguished by" in a sentence?

Use "be distinguished by" to point out a unique quality or characteristic that sets something apart, for example: "The novel "is distinguished by" its use of magical realism".

What is a good alternative to "be distinguished by"?

Alternatives include "be characterized by", "be identified by", or "be known for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "be distinguished by" differ from "be defined by"?

"Be distinguished by" highlights unique or noticeable qualities, while "be defined by" suggests that those qualities are essential to the subject's nature or purpose.

Which is more precise, "be distinguished by" or "be marked by"?

"Be distinguished by" often implies a more significant or defining characteristic, whereas "be marked by" simply indicates the presence of a noticeable feature without necessarily implying uniqueness or importance.