distinctive line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctive line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a marking or boundary that sets something apart from other things. For example, "The bird's brightly-colored markings served as a distinctive line separating it from other types of birds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

At the same time, her novel carries on the distinctive line of this award so far.

Independent

Yet in a season of jackets and flaring print skirts, it's great to see a designer establish a distinctive line with his tailoring.

The New York Times

One of the many odd things about Peanuts is that you can't separate that distinctive line from physical and existential pain.

The Guardian - Books

Surrounded by barbershops and adults lounging on lawn chairs, Vault is an unmarked boutique known for its distinctive line of caps, shirts and hoodies.

The New York Times

Dan Fogelson, the vice president of Emeco, which makes a distinctive line of metal chairs, said, "There were a lot of knockoffs at the beginning, but we complained, and they took us seriously".

The New York Times

Her public speeches have developed a distinctive line of reasoning, adopting common law principles to defend the Human Rights Act and attack the government's expansion of secret court hearings.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

One of his most distinctive lines of objection involves the use of some metaphysical distinctions.

SEP

'Sisters of Mercy' is verse after verse of four distinctive lines, in perfect meter, with no chorus, quivering with drama.

The New Yorker

One (potentially white) elephant lingers in the room, however: from anywhere on the park, the distinctive lines of the £429m main stadium can be seen.

The Guardian

During the 10th 15th centuries, Russian art had begun to show marked local variation from the Byzantine model, and after the fall of Constantinople it continued along these distinctive lines of development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The satellites detected x-rays emitted by hot ionized atoms of iron, which form distinctive lines in the spectrum of light emitted by the gas disks.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or arguments, use "distinctive line" to highlight a clear boundary or separation between ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctive line" when a simpler term like "line" or "mark" would suffice, especially in purely visual or physical descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctive line" functions as a modifier-noun combination, where the adjective "distinctive" enhances the noun "line". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to specify a particular kind of line, one that stands out or is easily recognized.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinctive line" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions primarily to highlight a unique or recognizable attribute, making it valuable for emphasizing differentiation. Though the phrase is relatively uncommon in overall usage, it appears more frequently in news and media and science contexts. When writing, it is best used to mark boundaries between concepts or characteristics, and best to avoid it when the concept is too literal where "line" alone would be sufficient. Alternatives include "unique feature" or "characteristic trait".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique feature

Focuses on the uniqueness aspect, omitting the explicit reference to a line or boundary.

characteristic trait

Emphasizes a distinguishing characteristic rather than a literal line.

defining attribute

Highlights an attribute that sets something apart.

signature element

Refers to an element that serves as a signature or identifier.

peculiar aspect

Stresses the unusual or particular nature of an aspect.

individual quality

Highlights a quality that is unique to an individual or thing.

notable characteristic

Emphasizes that the characteristic is easily noticed or important.

identifying mark

Focuses on a mark that helps to identify something.

special attribute

Highlights a specific and unique attribute.

trademark feature

Implies a feature that is strongly associated with a particular brand or style.

FAQs

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

You can use "distinctive line" to describe something that sets a boundary or creates a separation, such as "The river formed a "natural distinctive line" between the two countries."

What are some alternatives to using "distinctive line"?

Alternatives include "unique feature", "characteristic trait", or "defining attribute" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "distinctive line" or "distinguishable line"?

"Distinctive line" emphasizes uniqueness and recognizability, while "distinguishable line" simply means it can be told apart. Use "distinctive line" when emphasizing a unique quality.

What's the difference between "distinctive line" and "characteristic line"?

While both phrases denote a recognizable feature, "distinctive line" suggests a unique and easily identifiable attribute, whereas "characteristic line" simply indicates a typical or representative attribute.