can be distinguished from

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be distinguished from" is a perfectly valid phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to express the contrasting quality between two things. An example sentence could be: "The unique architecture of this building can be distinguished from other buildings in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, competition agencies can be distinguished from industry-specific regulators.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Five mass extinctions can be distinguished from the fossil record.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He ensures that methodological agnosticism can be distinguished from metaphysical commitments.

The Guardian - Opinion

Parrots can be distinguished from other birds by the structure of the feet and bill.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Foremost, metals can be distinguished from semiconductors and insulators by their lack of a band gap.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His works can be distinguished from those of his colleagues by their softly harmonious values.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Think tanks can be distinguished from other organizations that are involved in the political arena.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cacti can be distinguished from all other succulent plants by the presence of spines in areoles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, meiotic segregation errors can be distinguished from mitotic ones.

The American Journal of Human Genetics

Even small contaminant effects can be distinguished from background mortality.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Case studies can be distinguished from other research methods.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be distinguished from", ensure that the basis for distinction is clear and specific. For example, instead of saying "These two species can be distinguished from each other", specify "These two species "can be distinguished from" each other by their distinct markings".

Common error

Avoid using "can be distinguished from" without providing the criteria for distinction. Simply stating that two things can be distinguished without explaining how leaves the reader without valuable information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be distinguished from" functions as a verbal phrase in the passive voice, indicating the ability to perceive or identify differences between two or more entities. This construction is commonly used to provide a contrasting quality between two things. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be distinguished from" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for highlighting differences between entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves the purpose of identifying unique characteristics in comparison. The phrase is versatile, fitting both formal scientific discourse and more neutral news reporting. While it is very common, ensure clarity by specifying the criteria for distinction. The best practice is to use the phrase by always clarifying the criteria for distinction and avoid vague statements. Remember that while alternatives like "can be differentiated from" and "differs from" exist, each carries subtle nuances in meaning. Therefore, carefully consider the context before choosing a substitute.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be differentiated from

This alternative maintains a similar level of formality and emphasizes the process of discerning differences.

can be discerned from

This alternative implies a more subtle or perceptive observation of differences.

can be identified from

This alternative emphasizes the recognition of something specific based on its differences.

can be told apart from

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes the ability to recognize differences.

can be set apart from

This alternative highlights the act of making something distinct or unique.

can be contrasted with

This alternative directly emphasizes the comparison of differences.

differs from

A more concise way to express the existence of differences. It's also more direct and less passive.

is unlike

This alternative highlights the dissimilar nature of the compared subjects.

diverges from

This alternative emphasizes a deviation or departure in characteristics.

bears no resemblance to

This alternative underscores a complete lack of similarity.

FAQs

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

Use "can be distinguished from" to highlight differences between two or more entities. For instance, "These two types of cells "can be distinguished from" each other based on their size and shape."

What are some alternatives to "can be distinguished from"?

Alternatives include "can be differentiated from", "can be told apart from", or "differs from", depending on the context and the level of formality desired.

Is it better to use "can be distinguished from" or "is distinguished from"?

"Can be distinguished from" implies a capability or possibility of differentiating, whereas "is distinguished from" states a definite difference. The best choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the possibility or the fact of the distinction.

What is the difference between "can be distinguished from" and "can be differentiated from"?

While similar, "can be distinguished from" often implies visual or easily observable differences, whereas "can be differentiated from" might suggest a more complex or analytical process of discerning differences.