distinctive for

USAGE SUMMARY

"distinctive for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an attribute or quality that makes someone, something, or some group stand out or is unique to them. For example: The vintage clothes store had a style that was distinctive for its use of vibrant colors and bold patterns.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The black tail is distinctive for its long central feathers.

Britannica

He points out that most tax havens are distinctive for their secrecy and lack of transparency.

The Guardian - Business

In his prime, his criticism was distinctive for its uncompromising association of literature and morality.

The Guardian - Books

IBM covers the cost upfront, and appears to be distinctive for the convenience it offers.

The Washington Post

A strong draughtsman, Granell's early and later paintings were distinctive for their bright, vivid colours.

The Guardian

Rufus is distinctive for his triangular eyes and football-shaped head.

The New York Times - Sports

Distinctive for its Prussian and English settlers, their influences are still visible today.

The Guardian - Travel

This performance was distinctive for restoring the standard cuts made by Tchaikovsky's student Alexander Siloti.

The New York Times - Arts

Wright's surfing is distinctive for her exquisite barrel riding and physical courage.

The Guardian - Sport

The evening's three dances were distinctive for their charm and quiet theatrical imagination.

The New York Times - Arts

Interestingly, the present moment in American art is chiefly distinctive for its divided loyalties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distinctive for", ensure that the characteristic you're highlighting is genuinely unique or particularly notable in the context you're writing about.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctive for" when the uniqueness is already implied. For example, instead of saying 'This species is distinctive for its unique markings', simply say 'This species is distinctive for its markings' or 'This species has unique markings'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctive for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, used to attribute a characteristic that sets something apart from others. As Ludwig AI explains, it highlights a unique quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinctive for" is a common and grammatically sound way to highlight a unique attribute or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing examples across various fields. Predominantly used in News & Media and Science, its purpose is to inform the audience about what makes a subject unique. While alternatives like "notable for" and "characterized by" exist, "distinctive for" directly links a feature to its distinctiveness and should be used when the uniqueness is clear. In conclusion, use "distinctive for" to call out features that set something apart, ensuring clarity and conciseness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguished by

Formal and focuses on the feature that causes it to be recognized.

notable for

Emphasizes being worthy of attention, slightly different from a characteristic that sets something apart.

known for

Suggests a widely recognized characteristic, rather than a unique one.

characterized by

Focuses on describing the attributes, less about what makes it stand out.

unique in

Highlights singularity but doesn't necessarily link it to a specific attribute.

remarkable for

Emphasizes how worthy something is to be noticed, rather than the feature itself.

set apart by

Highlights separation from others based on a characteristic.

defined by

Focuses on core defining features, possibly limiting the scope compared to distinctive qualities.

peculiar to

Highlights something unique and unusual, carrying a stronger emphasis on rarity.

uncommon for

Implies rarity and deviation from the norm, rather than a defining characteristic.

FAQs

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

Use "distinctive for" to highlight a specific characteristic that sets something apart, such as "The bird is distinctive for its bright blue feathers".

What can I say instead of "distinctive for"?

You can use alternatives like "notable for", "known for", or "characterized by" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "distinctive because" instead of "distinctive for"?

While "distinctive because" isn't ungrammatical, "distinctive for" is typically used to directly link a feature to its distinctiveness. "Distinctive because" implies a more causal relationship.

What's the difference between "distinguished by" and "distinctive for"?

"Distinguished by" often implies a more formal or official recognition of a unique quality, whereas "distinctive for" simply points out a notable or unique attribute.