cannot be distinguished

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stutters cannot be distinguished from minor alleles.

Forensic Science International: Genetics

Wear originating from different bearing surfaces cannot be distinguished.

Wear

Partial-birth abortion cannot be distinguished from infanticide.

The New York Times

Model-based fault detection often deals with the problem that fault states cannot be distinguished clearly.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

However the kinematic errors cannot be distinguished from each other by means of these test pieces.

Precision Engineering

Control groups with an active intervention, however, involve the risk that effects cannot be distinguished.

Zeitschrift für Evidenz, Fortbildung und Qualität im Gesundheitswesen

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

Nature

Unfortunately, Mg3N2 cannot be distinguished from MgO through these two peaks.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The fact is, whether France likes it or not, Mr. Bush cannot be distinguished from America.

The New York Times

This progression of holes cannot be distinguished in its effects from a current of positive charges.

The New Yorker

In general, PSK cannot be distinguished greatly.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be distinguished" when you want to emphasize the inherent similarity or lack of differentiating factors between two or more entities. Ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be distinguished" when there are obvious or easily identifiable differences between the subjects. The phrase should be reserved for scenarios where genuine ambiguity or overlap exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be distinguished" functions as a descriptor, indicating a lack of discernible differences between two or more entities. Ludwig AI examples show its use in scientific contexts, emphasizing measurement limitations, as well as in more general contexts, indicating strong similarities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be distinguished" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the lack of discernible differences between entities. As supported by Ludwig, it finds frequent application in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone, it's essential to employ it accurately, avoiding its use when clear differentiations exist. Alternatives such as "indistinguishable" or "impossible to tell apart" offer suitable replacements depending on the context's formality. Ludwig AI confirms the high usability and diverse applicability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indistinguishable

Adjective form implying the same lack of differentiation, offering a more concise option.

not able to be differentiated

More formal and verbose, emphasizing the inability to perform the act of differentiating.

impossible to tell apart

Uses simpler language, focusing on the practical difficulty of distinguishing.

blur together

Implies a merging or lack of clear boundaries making distinction difficult.

difficult to discern

Focuses on the challenge of perceiving a difference.

lack discernible differences

Highlights the absence of noticeable variations.

appear identical

Emphasizes the similarity in appearance, leading to indistinguishability.

merge into one

Suggests a complete blending, making individual identification impossible.

resemble each other closely

Highlights the strong similarity making distinction effortful

are practically the same

Focuses on the functional equivalence, even if minor differences exist.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be distinguished" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be distinguished" to indicate that two or more things are so similar that they are impossible or very difficult to tell apart. For example: "The twins' personalities "cannot be distinguished" without knowing them well."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be distinguished"?

Alternatives include "indistinguishable", "not able to be differentiated", or "impossible to tell apart", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "can't be distinguished"?

Yes, "can't be distinguished" is a contraction of "cannot be distinguished" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. The choice between the two often depends on the desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "cannot be distinguished" and "cannot be differentiated"?

"Cannot be distinguished" emphasizes the lack of perceptible differences, while "cannot be differentiated" focuses on the inability to identify or categorize something as different. The terms are often interchangeable but the nuance may shift the meaning slightly depending on context.