differentiating between

USAGE SUMMARY

"differentiating between" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that two or more similar things are being distinguished and identified as separate entities. For example, "The teacher spent the afternoon differentiating between the students who qualified for the school honor roll and those who did not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Differentiating between analysis and strategy is crucial.

The Guardian

Differentiating between management and leadership is important.

Columbia University

Yet we enunciate, too, differentiating between "mary", "marry" and "merry".

The Guardian - Travel

How might celebrities find difficulty in differentiating between their private and public lives?

The New York Times

I think the idea of not differentiating between public and private is a very dangerous one".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But differentiating between the micro and the macro has never been one of Trump's strengths.

The New Yorker

But that doesn't mean he objects to differentiating between excellence and mediocrity.

The Guardian

1926 Ethnic identity cards differentiating between Hutus and Tutsis are introduced by the Belgians.

The Guardian - Film

Even Russia's democratic reformers have taken to differentiating between Chechen "bandits" and suffering Chechen people.

The New York Times

One challenge, he said, is differentiating between dangerous and non-threatening radiation.

The New York Times

This means differentiating between being truly interested and feeling obligated to lend a hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "differentiating between", ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "differentiating between good and bad", specify what "good" and "bad" refer to in the context.

Common error

Avoid using "differentiating between" when a simpler term like "distinguishing" would suffice. "Differentiating between" is most effective when highlighting nuanced or complex distinctions, not for self-evident differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "differentiating between" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates the action of distinguishing differences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "differentiating between" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that highlights the act of distinguishing differences, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its analytical tone makes it suitable for diverse contexts, especially in news media, science, and academic writing. The phrase functions as a gerund, and while "differentiating between" is generally acceptable, it's wise to consider simpler alternatives like "distinguishing" in less complex scenarios. Remember to clearly define the items being compared when using the phrase. Top sources like The Guardian and The New York Times use this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguishing between

This alternative utilizes a different verb with a similar meaning to "differentiating", emphasizing the act of recognizing differences.

discerning between

This alternative employs a more formal verb, suggesting a careful and insightful process of differentiation.

telling the difference between

This option provides a more informal way to express distinguishing between two things, focusing on the ability to perceive a difference.

making a distinction between

This phrase uses a noun-based construction, highlighting the act of creating a separation in thought or action.

identifying differences between

This option emphasizes the act of pinpointing the specific characteristics that set two things apart.

discriminating between

This alternative implies a more critical or evaluative approach to differentiation.

separating between

This alternative underscores the act of physically or conceptually dividing two entities.

drawing a line between

This phrase uses a metaphor to represent the act of creating a clear distinction.

contrasting

This is a concise, single-word alternative that emphasizes the act of highlighting the differences between two things.

parsing differences between

Highlights a very precise, analytical approach to defining the variance of different items.

FAQs

How can I use "differentiating between" in a sentence?

"Differentiating between" is used to show a distinction. For example, "It is important to start "differentiating between" needs and wants when budgeting."

What's the difference between "differentiating between" and "distinguishing between"?

While very similar, "differentiating between" often implies a more detailed and analytical comparison, whereas "distinguishing between" can refer to a more general act of noticing a difference.

Are there formal alternatives to "differentiating between"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "discerning between" or "making a distinction between".

Is "differentiating between" appropriate for all contexts?

While grammatically correct, "differentiating between" may be too formal for casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "telling the difference between".