distinct from the others

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinct from the others" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is noticeably different or separate from others in a group or category. Here is an example: "Out of all the flowers in the garden, the bright red rose was distinct from the others with its vibrant color and intoxicating fragrance." In this sentence, "distinct from the others" is used to highlight the unique qualities of the red rose compared to the other flowers in the garden.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It became clear that one was distinct from the others," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Each system is distinct from the others, and you can see that in three different ways.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Each of Robinson's three novels is tonally distinct from the others: Housekeeping was dark, lyrical, and densely metaphorical, like a Grimms' fairytale, a dreamy, amorphous read.

The Guardian - Books

Each encounter felt momentous and utterly distinct from the others, for reasons that at least partly involved the direction of Mr. Taylor's pianism.

The New York Times - Arts

The Indian component is made up of Navajo, Pueblo, and several smaller groups, each of which is quite distinct from the others.

Britannica

This wasn't an issue in the more balanced Program B. Each piece was distinct from the others in look, style, idiom and intent.

The Washington Post

Note that the triangles that arise from interpolations across voxels of zero weight are distinct from the others: they are hole fillers.

Stanford University

One kind of loss, however, is distinct from the others, and the emotional labor for me working with these patrons is different, too.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The physical distribution of Aet-CACTA-4 is distinct from the other three known CACTA subfamilies.

Nature

It is prominently distinct from the other known taxa in Ophioglossaceae family.

Nature

hypogaea was clearly distinct from the other two botanical varieties (FST > 0.4).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinct from the others" to clearly highlight unique attributes or characteristics that set something apart within a defined group. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing individual differences within a collective context.

Common error

Avoid using "distinct from the others" when comparing only two items. In such cases, "distinct from the other" is grammatically correct and more appropriate. The phrase "distinct from the others" implies a comparison involving three or more items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinct from the others" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, highlighting the unique characteristics that set something apart. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinct from the others" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to highlight unique differences between an item and a group, according to Ludwig. It serves to emphasize the qualities that set something apart. It appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When comparing only two items, "distinct from the other" is more appropriate. Usage should focus on clarity and intention to highlight specific, differentiating attributes. It's best to avoid using it in simple comparisons, as a variety of alternatives can convey the intended meaning with similar impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

different than the rest

Uses "different than" instead of "distinct from" and replaces "others" with "rest."

unique compared to the others

Substitutes "distinct" with "unique" and uses "compared to" for establishing the difference.

set apart from the rest

Employs the phrasal verb "set apart" to indicate differentiation.

separate from the group

Replaces "distinct" with "separate" and "others" with "group", simplifying the expression.

unlike the remaining ones

Uses "unlike" to show the difference and rephrases "others" as "remaining ones."

stands out from the crowd

Uses the idiom "stands out from the crowd" to convey uniqueness or distinction.

bears no resemblance to the others

Expresses distinctiveness by stating a lack of resemblance.

differs significantly from the remaining items

Replaces "distinct" with "differs significantly" and uses "remaining items" instead of "others" to sound more formal.

exhibits qualities not found in the others

Emphasizes the qualities that make something distinct.

possesses characteristics absent in the others

Highlights the unique characteristics that set something apart.

FAQs

How can I use "distinct from the others" in a sentence?

Use "distinct from the others" to emphasize that something is noticeably different compared to the rest of a group. For example: "The painting was "distinct from the others" due to its use of vibrant colors and abstract style."

What's a simpler way to say "distinct from the others"?

Alternatives include "different from the others", "unique compared to the others", or "separate from the group". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "distinct than the others"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "from", not "than". The proper phrase is "distinct from the others".

When should I use "distinct from the other" versus "distinct from the others"?

Use "distinct from the other" when comparing only two items. For example: "This apple is "distinct from the other"." Use "distinct from the others" when comparing three or more items: "This apple is "distinct from the others"."