cannot be differentiated from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be differentiated from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing two or more items, concepts, or entities that are so similar that they cannot be distinguished from one another. Example: "In this experiment, the results from the two groups cannot be differentiated from each other, indicating that the treatment had no significant effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

3. Rust stains cannot be differentiated from bloodstains.

The New York Times

Since patents on genetic cures for diseases cannot be differentiated from patents on genetic materials that make humans taller, smarter, or more beautiful, the exact line between what is and is not allowed is going to be difficult to draw.

Harvard Business Review

"These rules have commoditized the news and given rise to fake news, which often cannot be differentiated from real news," the alliance said in a press release on Monday.

The Guardian

Sometimes rupture cannot be differentiated from herniation.

Insights into Imaging

Based on imaging features alone, this mass cannot be differentiated from RCC. Oncocytoma remains a diagnostic challenge.

Insights into Imaging

Websites for many rogue pharmacies are professionally designed, contain false quality seals, and cannot be differentiated from legitimate pharmacies solely by appearance (Monteith et al. 2016b).

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Previous studies have reported that GA and its metabolites can reduce early glycation products, intermediates in glycation pathway and AGE [24, 25], but the inhibitory effects cannot be differentiated from its glucose-lowering effect.

Natural Products and Bioprospecting

Lipid-poor angiomyolipoma presents a diagnostic dilemma and cannot be differentiated from RCC. Zhang et al. described a homogeneous pattern and a moderate enhancement of lipid-poor angiomyolipomas [13].

Insights into Imaging

It is all the more important to point out that humanities philosophy of technology cannot be differentiated from analytic philosophy of technology by claiming that only the former is interested in the social environment of technology.

SEP

But as Bill has said before, Russert cannot be differentiated from NBC.

Huffington Post

This approach, however, probably tolerates a few germline mutations which cannot be differentiated from somatic mutations.

Cancer Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be differentiated from", ensure that you clearly state the basis upon which the comparison is being made. This helps provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be differentiated from" when there are subtle differences that could potentially be detected with more advanced methods or under different circumstances. Be precise about the limits of the current inability to differentiate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be differentiated from" functions as a comparative term, expressing the inability to distinguish between two or more entities based on available information or methods. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be differentiated from" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate the indistinguishability of two or more entities. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage. It is most prevalent in scientific and academic contexts, where precision is valued. While alternatives like "cannot be distinguished from" and "is indistinguishable from" exist, it is essential to ensure that the statement accurately reflects the limitations of differentiation. Use it when things are so similar as to be effectively the same, while acknowledging the potential for subtle differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be distinguished from

Replaces "differentiated" with "distinguished", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

is indistinguishable from

Uses a more direct and simpler phrasing, focusing on the state of being indistinguishable.

cannot be told apart from

Shortens the previous phrase, removing "able to be" for a more concise expression.

cannot be discerned from

Replaces "differentiated" with "discerned", implying a more subtle or careful observation is required.

are not able to be told apart from

Emphasizes the inability to discern differences, adding slight emphasis.

is virtually identical to

Suggests near-perfect similarity, bordering on being the same.

resembles closely

Focuses on the similarity in appearance or nature, rather than the inability to distinguish.

is substantially similar to

Emphasizes the significant overlap in characteristics or features.

bears a strong resemblance to

Highlights the significant similarity between two things.

mirrors

Indicates a reflection or close correspondence between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be differentiated from" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be differentiated from" to indicate that two or more things are so similar that they appear identical or their differences are undetectable. For example: "Based on current data, the two treatments "cannot be differentiated from" each other in terms of effectiveness."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be differentiated from"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be distinguished from", "is indistinguishable from", or "cannot be told apart from" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "cannot be differentiated from" or "cannot be distinguished from"?

Both phrases are relatively formal and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. "Cannot be differentiated from" might be slightly more common in scientific or technical writing, while "cannot be distinguished from" is generally acceptable across various registers.

When is it inappropriate to use "cannot be differentiated from"?

Avoid using "cannot be differentiated from" if there are known or easily observable differences between the items being compared. The phrase implies a genuine inability to discern any meaningful distinction.