be distinguished from

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "be distinguished from" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You might use it in a sentence like this: The unique flavor of truffles can easily be distinguished from other common fungi.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Expression must be distinguished from evocation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Demythologization should be distinguished from secularization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Can "animal health" be distinguished from spirit?

The New Yorker

Stutters cannot be distinguished from minor alleles.

Forensic Science International: Genetics

Nationalism must be distinguished from patriotism.

The Washington Post

How can civilians be distinguished from insurgents?

The New York Times

This enables these phytoplankton groups to be distinguished from space.

Remote Sensing of Environment

Stem cells can also be distinguished from more differentiated cells.

Methods in Cell Biology

Here, acute stress needs to be distinguished from chronic stress.

The Guardian - Opinion

Accurate reports had to be distinguished from false ones.

The New York Times - Magazine

In particular, standard languages should be distinguished from local dialects.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be distinguished from" when you want to emphasize a clear and recognizable difference between two or more things. It is appropriate for formal writing and academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "distinguish" actively when a passive construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "We distinguish A from B", consider "A can be distinguished from B" for a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be distinguished from" functions as a passive voice construction used to indicate that a clear difference or separation exists between two or more entities. Ludwig provides examples that support this usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

18%

News & Media

30%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be distinguished from" serves as a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a clear difference between entities. Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples across science, news, and encyclopedic sources affirm its frequent use in formal contexts. The expression effectively communicates differentiation and clarification, making it a valuable asset in both academic and professional writing. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase adheres to standard grammatical rules and is widely accepted in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be differentiated from

Focuses on the act of differentiation, highlighting the process rather than the capability.

be differentiated between

Emphasizes that the differentiation is happening between two or more entities.

be discerned from

Suggests a more subtle or careful process of distinguishing.

be told apart from

Implies a difficulty in distinguishing and needing effort to separate.

be set apart from

Highlights the uniqueness or exceptional quality that makes something different.

be demarcated from

Implies a clear and precise boundary or distinction.

be contrasted with

Focuses on highlighting the differences when comparing.

be separated from

Emphasizes the act of physically or conceptually dividing.

be identified from

Stresses the recognition and classification aspect of distinguishing.

be known from

Suggests that the distinction is well-established or commonly recognized.

FAQs

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

Use "be distinguished from" to show that there is a clear difference between two things. For example, "A chihuahua can be distinguished from a Great Dane by its size".

What's the difference between "be differentiated from" and "be distinguished from"?

While similar, "be distinguished from" often implies a more inherent or obvious difference, while "be differentiated from" suggests a more active process of identifying differences.

Is it correct to say "be distinguished to" instead of "be distinguished from"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "be distinguished" in this context is "from". Saying "be distinguished to" is grammatically incorrect.

What are some synonyms for "be distinguished from" that I can use in my writing?

Alternatives include "be set apart from", "be differentiated from", or "be identified from", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.