can distinguish

USAGE SUMMARY

"can distinguish" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when trying to explain the ability of someone or something to discern a difference between two or more things. For example, "The experienced referee can distinguish between an intentional and unintentional handball at a glance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I hope people can distinguish".

The New York Times - Food

Cardona can distinguish right and wrong.

The New Yorker

"He can distinguish from right and wrong.

The New York Times - Magazine

They can distinguish an aria from an arioso.

The New York Times - Arts

It can distinguish journalism from all the other online material.

The Guardian

"People can distinguish between athletes and managers," Romney said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It can distinguish the good from the bad".

The Guardian - Music

Voters can distinguish between the man and the administration.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is when he thinks he can distinguish himself.

The New York Times - Sports

But he thinks he can distinguish himself in two ways.

The Economist

The sensors can distinguish what stroke the swimmer is performing.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can distinguish", ensure the objects being differentiated are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what someone "can distinguish" and from what.

Common error

Avoid using "can distinguish" for overly simplistic comparisons. Phrases like "can see the difference" might be more appropriate when the distinction is obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can distinguish" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing the ability to differentiate or discern between two or more things. Ludwig AI shows various examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can distinguish" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that expresses the ability to differentiate between two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse contexts, including science, news, and business. While alternatives like ""can differentiate"" or ""can discern"" may offer slightly different nuances, "can distinguish" remains a reliable and widely understood choice. When employing this phrase, ensure that the objects being compared are clearly defined to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to distinguish

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing the ability to distinguish.

can differentiate

Emphasizes the act of recognizing or showing the difference between two or more things.

can differentiate between

Explicitly indicates the ability to see a difference between two specific items.

can discern

Implies a more subtle or refined ability to perceive or recognize something.

has the capacity to distinguish

Highlights the inherent capability or potential to distinguish.

can identify

Focuses on the ability to recognize or establish the identity of something.

can discriminate

Highlights the ability to perceive subtle differences, often in a more critical or evaluative way.

can tell apart

A more informal way of saying "can distinguish", often used in everyday conversation.

can recognize

Stresses the ability to identify something previously known or encountered.

can perceive the difference

Focuses on the ability to notice or become aware of a difference.

FAQs

How can I use "can distinguish" in a sentence?

You can use "can distinguish" to describe the ability to differentiate between two or more things, such as "The expert "can distinguish between" subtle variations in wine aroma".

What are some alternatives to "can distinguish"?

Alternatives include "can differentiate", "can discern", or "can identify", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can distinguish between"?

Yes, "can distinguish between" is a common and correct usage. It explicitly indicates that you are differentiating between two or more specific items.

What is the difference between "can distinguish" and "can differentiate"?

While both phrases are similar, "can distinguish" generally implies a broader ability to perceive differences, whereas ""can differentiate"" often suggests a more active or deliberate comparison.