clear-cut distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear-cut distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a distinct or obvious difference between two things. For example, "The clear-cut distinction between the two opposing sides made it easier to make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Perhaps members of the human species have never made a clear-cut distinction between work and play.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This makes a clear-cut distinction between the glands on the hairy surfaces and those on the palms and soles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was no clear-cut distinction between the two areas, though constant efforts were being made to define them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

infra p. 147, which is referred to in 2 Kent, Commentaries 450 n.1 (Holmes 12th ed. 1873) (no clear-cut distinction is drawn in earlier editions).

Harvard University

At the time there was a very clear-cut distinction between our remit and that of the SBC's other cultural, mainly music, programs.

University of California, Berkeley

Furthermore, invention and scientific discovery are frequently so closely intertwined that it is difficult to draw any clear-cut distinction between them.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

First, there are no clear-cut distinctions between "sole source" and "competitive" contracts.

The New York Times

Many of these people toil in a legal twilight zone, often performing duties that did not exist in 1938, when Congress drew clear-cut distinctions between workers and managers.

The New York Times

In sum, the views summarized here show that it can be very difficult to justify clear-cut distinctions between delusion and self-deception.

SEP

Despite the difficulty of finding clear-cut distinctions since algorithms often share techniques common to more than one category, nevertheless we have found it useful to categorize them based on the type of information used and on the specific methodology [53, 54].

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The laws of armed conflict have developed over centuries but the clear-cut distinctions of international state on state warfare, in which uniformed combatants are bound by the Geneva Conventions and face each other on battlefields, are not as easy to draw in an age in which the enemy may not wear uniform, be on any defined battlefield and can switch rapidly from civilian to fighter and back again.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear-cut distinction", ensure that the context provides sufficient information to understand what two elements are being clearly differentiated. For instance, specify the criteria or factors that highlight the difference to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "clear-cut distinction" when the difference is actually subtle or debatable. Instead, use phrases that acknowledge the ambiguity, such as "potential difference" or "possible distinction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear-cut distinction" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify and emphasize a notable difference or separation between two or more concepts, items, or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

19%

News & Media

19%

Less common in

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear-cut distinction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to highlight a significant and easily recognizable difference between two things. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its presence across academic, scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources underscores its versatility and appropriateness in formal and informal contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the elements being differentiated to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "unequivocal difference" or "distinct contrast" exist, "clear-cut distinction" remains a direct and effective way to emphasize clarity in differentiation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unequivocal difference

Emphasizes the unambiguous nature of the difference.

distinct contrast

Highlights the degree of dissimilarity between the items being compared.

sharp delineation

Focuses on the precise boundary or separation that exists.

well-defined boundary

Suggests that the limits are clear and easily recognizable.

marked difference

Underscores that the difference is easily noticeable or significant.

obvious differentiation

Highlights the ease with which the difference can be observed.

evident disparity

Stresses the inequality or imbalance that sets the items apart.

noticeable variation

Points out a change or deviation that is easily detected.

apparent separation

Indicates a division that is readily visible or understood.

discernible dissimilarity

Highlights the ability to perceive or recognize the difference.

FAQs

How can I use "clear-cut distinction" in a sentence?

You can use "clear-cut distinction" to describe a notable difference between two things. For example, "There is a "clear-cut distinction" between the responsibilities of a manager and those of an employee".

What are some alternatives to "clear-cut distinction"?

Alternatives include "distinct contrast", "unequivocal difference", or "sharp delineation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "clear-cut distinction" in formal writing?

Yes, "clear-cut distinction" is appropriate for formal writing. It's frequently used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to indicate a notable difference.

What's the difference between "clear-cut distinction" and "subtle difference"?

"Clear-cut distinction" implies an obvious and easily recognizable difference, while "subtle difference" suggests a difference that is not immediately apparent and requires closer examination.