distinctive in that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctive in that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a specific characteristic or feature that sets something apart from others. Example: "The painting is distinctive in that it uses vibrant colors and abstract shapes to convey emotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Beyond its age, the case is also distinctive in that it happened at all.

The New York Times

Ukip support is highly distinctive in that it is concentrated in areas of unemployment and retirement.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is also distinctive in that the judges will always be writers and critics themselves, drawn from an academy that has been created and now has 187 members.

The Guardian - Books

Other rappers have mixed pieces of operatic arias into their songs, but Ms. Giraud is distinctive in that she wants to create an entirely new musical genre.

The New York Times

The proposed New Mexico law is distinctive in that it attempts to block the purchase of alcohol, said Anne Teigen, a senior policy specialist with the group.

The New York Times

Falk became deeply involved with the production, whose format was distinctive in that the murder was shown at the outset, making the mystery for the viewer not a matter of identity, but of explanation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That sort of tenure mix is familiar on estates across London, but Cressingham Gardens is distinctive in that its buildings are entirely low rise and, as its name suggests, it contains a lot of green space.

The Guardian

What could be called the nuts-and-bolts part of the exhibition, the materials section, is low on visual zip but high on oddness and ingenuity, and distinctive in that nothing is what it looks to be.

The New York Times - Arts

The greater number of stringed instruments in use in Western and North African orchestras are bowed; Western orchestras, however, are distinctive in that these bowed chordophones exist and are played in families of graduated size (violin, viola, cello, bass), and this phenomenon derives from the extent to which Western musicians have valued harmony and multipart composition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Digital computers are distinctive in that their vehicles are digits (Piccinini 2007).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Starbucks has established a distinctive in-store experience that ties into local preferences and community events.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinctive in that" to clearly and concisely introduce the specific characteristic that makes something unique or different from others. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures that the reader understands the key distinguishing feature.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctive in that" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your sentence structure and vocabulary by using synonyms or rephrasing to prevent monotony and improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctive in that" functions as a connector, linking a subject with a specific characteristic or feature that sets it apart. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It helps to elaborate on what makes something stand out, providing clarity and detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinctive in that" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to specify a defining characteristic that sets something apart. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is especially prevalent in science, news media, and encyclopedic contexts, reflecting its utility in providing explicit and detailed descriptions. The phrase’s neutral to formal register makes it suitable for professional and academic writing. While versatile, it is important to avoid overuse and consider synonymous alternatives to maintain readability. Examples and the validation from Ludwig underscore its value as a precise and informative connector in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

special in that

Indicates a quality that makes something exceptional or uncommon.

set apart by

Highlights the characteristic that differentiates something from others.

unique because

Focuses on the reason for uniqueness rather than simply stating distinctiveness.

characterized by

Emphasizes the defining feature that distinguishes something.

exceptional because

Emphasizes a higher degree of quality or difference.

notable since

Emphasizes the reason for being noteworthy rather than inherent distinctiveness.

singular in that

Focuses on the uniqueness and individuality of something.

particularly as

Highlights a specific aspect or feature that makes something stand out.

defined by

Indicates that a specific attribute is core to the identity of the subject.

remarkable given that

Highlights something noteworthy considering the circumstances.

FAQs

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

Use "distinctive in that" to highlight a particular attribute or characteristic that sets something apart. For example, "This painting is distinctive in that it uses a unique color palette."

What are some alternatives to "distinctive in that"?

You can use alternatives like "unique because", "special in that", or "notable since" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "distinctive in that" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to indicate a distinguishing feature. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and style of your piece.

What makes "distinctive in that" different from "unique in that"?

While both phrases indicate a distinguishing feature, "unique in that" implies that something is the only one of its kind, whereas "distinctive in that" simply means it has characteristics that set it apart, even if similar things exist. The phrase "unique in that" has a stronger connotation of originality.