distinctive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'distinctive' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is different, unique, and/or easily identified from all others. For example, "The blue-and-white striped shirt had a distinctive pattern that made it easily recognizable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her friends said she was determined to learn the lessons of Labour's involvement in the Scottish independence referendum and that "she wants Labour to run a distinct and distinctive campaign in the in/out referendum".

The Guardian

To this day you still see those distinctive golden Benson and Hedges World Series Cup team posters framed on the wall of dodgy pubs and immediately feel at home.

The Guardian - Sport

The task of devising a distinctive Lib Dem education policy has fallen to Sarah Teather, one of the great beneficiaries of Sir Menzies' leadership victory.

The Guardian

Admire the work of the "Bergen School" of painters at Museum Kranenburgh (kranenburgh.nl) or take a stroll among the distinctive thatched "Amsterdam School" villas of the Park Meerwijk neighbourhood.

The Guardian - Travel

The one-off documentary is shot in Leech's distinctive hand-held camera style and features the first emotional encounter between the Mosque's charismatic young communications manager and a distraught sister of one of the three Bethnal Green schoolgirls who flew out to join Isis jihadists in Syria.

The Guardian

The hands have become part of what makes him distinctive as an actor, affecting as they do the way he moves and holds himself, so much so that some young actors assume it is an affectation.

The Guardian - Film

Chancellor of the exchequer, 1979-83; foreign secretary, 1983-89; leader of the House of Commons, 1989-90 If you look at anything Margaret Thatcher wrote or the speeches she made before she became leader of the party, there's nothing outstanding or distinctive about them.

The Guardian

This also means reaching out as much as possible to the many traditional Labour voters who voted yes to independence in September, beguiled by SNP talk of Scotland's distinctive fairness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many observers felt confirmed in their view that the Christian Democrats (CDU), while led by a very shrewd power player, are losing any distinctive ideological profile.

The Guardian - Opinion

No distinctive Christian Democratic proposals are on offer, when it comes to thinking about morality and the market.

The Guardian - Opinion

The distinctive sleek, sophisticated, body-conscious dresses of Beckham's early collections have proved to be a mere springboard for a fully formed fashion house that is holding its own at the highest levels.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinctive" to emphasize easily recognizable qualities that set something apart from others, ensuring clarity and impact in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctive" repeatedly in close proximity when describing similar characteristics. Opt for synonyms like "unique" or "characteristic" to maintain variety and reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "distinctive" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that has qualities that make it easily recognizable or notably different. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Travel

8%

Lifestyle

6%

Less common in

Music

6%

Film

3%

Opinion

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinctive" functions as an adjective used to highlight unique and recognizable qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across a wide variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, use "distinctive" to clearly identify unique aspects, but avoid overuse by substituting with synonyms like "characteristic" or "unique". Whether describing a "distinctive" style, a "distinctive" voice, or a "distinctive" feature, this word serves to emphasize what sets something apart.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characteristic

Emphasizes a typical or prominent quality that identifies something.

unique

Focuses on being the only one of its kind, unparalleled.

identifiable

Highlights the ease with which something can be recognized or distinguished.

distinguishing

Stresses the act of setting something apart from others.

typical

Indicates a quality that is representative of a particular type or group.

notable

Emphasizes something worthy of attention or easily noticed.

individual

Focuses on the separate and unique nature of something.

special

Implies something is exceptional or different from the ordinary.

peculiar

Suggests something is unusual or strange in a way that is interesting.

original

Highlights the novelty and inventiveness of something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "distinctive" in a sentence?

Use "distinctive" to highlight a quality that makes something easily recognizable or different from others. For example, "The building had a "distinctive design"." or "Her "distinctive voice" made her stand out."

What are some alternatives to "distinctive"?

You can use alternatives like ""unique"", ""characteristic"", "identifiable", or "distinguishing" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "distinctive" in formal writing?

Yes, "distinctive" is suitable for formal writing as it is a clear and precise way to describe something that stands out. Ensure the context aligns with the level of formality.

What's the difference between "distinctive" and "distinct"?

"Distinct" generally means separate or different, while "distinctive" implies having a quality that makes something easily identifiable or noteworthy. A "distinct feature" is simply different; a "distinctive feature" is uniquely recognizable.