distinct shapes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'distinct shapes' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in any sentence where you want to convey that two or more things are distinct from each other in terms of their shapes. For example: "The creatures we saw in the forest had distinct shapes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Four distinct shapes, including spherical, disk-like, rod-shaped, and cubic, were evaluated.

ACS Nano

It's a metropolis built of small villages, with distinct shapes and personalities.

Independent

Proteins, which are strings of amino acids, fold into distinct shapes to carry out various functions in the body.

The New York Times

Iron, found almost everywhere in Africa, was considered more valuable if it was refined and forged into distinct shapes.

The New York Times - Arts

Grains from plants are tiny, but have distinct shapes that the scientists identified by comparing them with a collection at the Smithsonian's herbarium.

The Guardian

Fleming, whose works include the Caldecott Honor Book "In the Small, Small Pond" and, most recently, "Where Once There Was a Wood," employs cheerily bright, contrasting colors and big, distinct shapes that are easy to grasp visually.

The New York Times - Books

Shape notes are a variant system of Western musical notation whereby the note heads are printed in distinct shapes to indicate their scale degree and solmization syllable (fa, sol, la, etc).. Since 1801 shape notes have been associated with American sacred music, specifically with singing schools, with musical conventions, and with all-day gatherings known as "singings".

Encyclopedia Britannica

But in the same way you stop being able to see distinct shapes after a minor concussion to the head, we stopped paying attention to Beckham's arsenal of body art somewhere after tattoo number 37. That his torso now resembled the Sistine Chapel as rendered by the charcoal sketch artists who are located just adjacent to Leicester Square tube was just another fact of life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To achieve the necessary retinal geometry, different photoreceptors (R cells) have distinct shapes.

Current Biology

We present a unifying framework to represent all topologically distinct shapes in 3D, from solids to surfaces and curves.

Computers & Graphics

A problem for this view is that any one token instantiates indefinitely many distinct shapes or patterns, i.e. many different expressions.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing objects, use "distinct shapes" to emphasize clear differentiation in form. This can enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using too many adjectives before "shapes". Overly describing the shapes can make the sentence sound cluttered. Instead of saying "remarkably unique and distinct shapes", opt for a simpler "distinct shapes" or "unique shapes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinct shapes" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "distinct" modifies the noun "shapes". Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe forms that are clearly differentiated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinct shapes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing objects or figures with clearly differentiated forms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for diverse contexts, spanning from scientific research to news reporting. While alternatives like "different shapes" or "unique shapes" exist, "distinct shapes" provides a clear and concise way to emphasize differentiation. Be mindful of overuse and avoid unnecessary adjectives when employing this phrase. Remember to consider the context to ensure appropriate usage in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

different shapes

Emphasizes the quality of being not the same in shape.

distinguished shapes

Highlights the act of recognizing or pointing out the differences in shapes.

separate shapes

Focuses on the shapes being independent or detached from each other.

unique shapes

Stresses the individuality and peculiarity of each shape.

identifiable shapes

Implies that the shapes are easily recognized or discerned.

discrete shapes

Highlights that shapes are individually separate and clearly defined.

dissimilar shapes

Focuses on the lack of resemblance between the shapes.

varied shapes

Emphasizes the diversity and range of different shapes.

individual shapes

Stresses the separate existence and characteristics of each shape.

contrasting shapes

Highlights the differences that are noticeable when shapes are compared.

FAQs

How can I use "distinct shapes" in a sentence?

Use "distinct shapes" to describe objects or figures that have clearly differentiated forms. For instance, "The artist used "distinct shapes" to create a sense of depth in the painting."

What are some alternatives to "distinct shapes"?

Alternatives include "different shapes", "unique shapes", or "separate shapes", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "distinct shape" instead of "distinct shapes"?

While "distinct shape" is grammatically correct, it refers to a single, individual shape that is different from others. "Distinct shapes" refers to multiple, clearly differentiated forms. Choose the phrasing that accurately reflects the quantity you are describing.

What's the difference between "distinct shapes" and "diverse shapes"?

"Distinct shapes" emphasizes the clear differentiation between forms, while "diverse shapes" highlights the variety and range of different shapes. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize clarity or variety.