distinctive of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctive of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is characteristic or unique to a particular person, group, or thing. Example: "The bright colors and intricate patterns are distinctive of the region's traditional art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Avignon station is the most distinctive of the three.

The Guardian

The four posts are distinctive of Australian rules football.

Britannica

In the social act the future controls present conduct, and this is distinctive of consciousness.

Britannica

This double onset of sexual development seems to be distinctive of the genus Homo.

Britannica

These beautiful works are surely the most distinctive of Krasner's career.

The New York Times - Arts

All the characters were funny and real and distinctive, of course.

The Guardian

But when she's good, as here, she is distinctive of voice.

The New York Times

Hess is among the most distinctive of contemporary filmmakers; what he isn't is fancy.

The New Yorker

These temples incorporated styles that eventually became distinctive of north and south Indian architecture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most distinctive of all is the way it opens to let boats on the canal pass.

The New York Times

How I render it and the plasticity has become quite distinctive of my work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distinctive of", ensure that the subject truly possesses unique or characteristic traits that set it apart from others. Provide clear context to illustrate these distinctive features.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctive of" when describing common attributes. Reserve it for traits that genuinely differentiate the subject from others. Using the phrase for common traits diminishes its impact and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctive of" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by a preposition. According to Ludwig, it indicates that something possesses qualities that set it apart or make it easily recognizable. It is commonly used to specify unique or characteristic traits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "distinctive of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that highlights the unique or characteristic qualities of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts. Its presence in academic, news, and scientific sources indicates reliability and suitability for formal writing. While alternatives like "characteristic of" and "typical of" exist, "distinctive of" specifically emphasizes unique recognition. Remember to reserve it for traits that genuinely differentiate the subject from others, avoiding overuse in general descriptions. With a solid expert rating and abundant real-world examples, this guide provides a thorough understanding of "distinctive of" and its effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characteristic of

Emphasizes the typical or representative qualities, rather than uniqueness.

typical of

Highlights conformity to a type or norm, differing from the unique aspect.

indicative of

Focuses on serving as a sign or symptom, differing from essential qualities.

representative of

Highlights how well something embodies a larger group, diverging from unique traits.

uniquely attributable to

Stresses exclusive connection, which may sound more formal than the base phrase.

peculiar to

Emphasizes oddness or unusual qualities, rather than common characteristics.

inherent in

Points to qualities that are intrinsic and inseparable, not merely distinctive.

exclusive to

Highlights sole possession or applicability, differing from unique attributes.

singular to

Emphasizes uniqueness to a greater extent, suggesting rarity.

markedly different in

Focuses on noticeable differences, rather than inherent qualities.

FAQs

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

Use "distinctive of" to describe a quality that is unique or characteristic to something. For example, "The intricate patterns are distinctive of traditional textiles."

What are some alternatives to "distinctive of"?

You can use alternatives like "characteristic of", "typical of", or "indicative of" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "distinctive of" and "characteristic of"?

"Distinctive of" implies a unique or easily recognizable quality, while "characteristic of" suggests a typical or representative quality.

Which is more appropriate, "distinctive of" or "unique to"?

"Distinctive of" highlights recognizable characteristics, whereas "unique to" emphasizes that something is found only in a particular instance or thing.