distinguish

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "distinguish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb, meaning to recognize or identify (something) as being different from something else. For example, "It can be difficult to distinguish between the two types of beetles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They see the mother as responsible for consciously disabling her child, but I assume they distinguish between a mother aborting a foetus and a mother harming a foetus she intends to bring to life.

The Guardian - Opinion

When children are three or four years old, according to the episode, they can usually distinguish between right and wrong, but continue to, say, take toys or hit others because it feels good.

The Guardian

It suggested that the programme makers were "under instructions from higher up" to make "a happy story about complementary medicine"; that the production could not distinguish evidence from anecdote; even that the series producer was promoting "US-style anti-science".

The Guardian - Opinion

Outsiders will find little to distinguish between the two parties now promising a progressive alternative to the Conservatives.

The Guardian

A lot of what my reporting has focused on recently is trying to distinguish between the hype and the facts, and how we square up the reality of the actual costs of energy these days and the fact that energy is a lot more expensive.

The Guardian

The program, created by the Justice Department, teaches officers to remain calm and assess their surroundings, reading a dog's body language to distinguish between a scared and dangerous animal.

The Guardian

A handy way to distinguish a government announcement inspired more by politics than its actual policy outcome is when the prime minister's office briefs (some) newspapers about it before it has been considered by the cabinet.

The Guardian

Gilmore says: "One of the challenges in A&E is to distinguish between someone who is simply drunk and someone who has been drinking but also has a serious medical problem.

The Guardian

But no one did it better than King Richard I. In Normandy, Aquitaine and then at the 1191 Battle of Arsuf against Saladin, Richard the Lionheart was always keen to distinguish himself as a warrior-crusader.

The Guardian

Despite giving few details, officials were careful to distinguish the planned shooting from a "terrorist" attack, their characterization of the attack that paralysed Ottawa in October when a troubled man went on a shooting rampage in parliament.

The Guardian

In stories about more than one member of a family, for example where two brothers appear in a court case, first names can be used to distinguish between them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distinguish", clearly specify what you are distinguishing between. Avoid ambiguity by providing enough context for the reader to understand the differences.

Common error

Avoid using "distinguish" without clearly identifying the contrasting elements. Ensure the reader understands what is being differentiated to maintain clarity and avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "distinguish" is as a transitive verb, requiring an object. It indicates the action of recognizing or pointing out differences between entities. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its use in contexts that require discerning differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinguish" is a versatile verb primarily used to indicate the act of recognizing or highlighting differences between entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While suitable for various registers, including formal writing, it's essential to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "differentiate" and "discern" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings, allowing for more precise communication. Use "distinguish" when you want to clearly point out the specific differences between two or more things.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differentiate

Focuses more on the act of identifying differences between two or more things.

discern

Implies a more subtle or perceptive form of distinguishing, often involving careful observation.

tell apart

A more informal way of saying distinguish, suggesting an ability to see the difference easily.

recognize

Focuses on identifying something already known, versus finding new differences.

identify

Emphasizes the act of establishing what something is, which can involve distinguishing it from other things.

separate

Highlights the act of keeping things apart based on perceived differences.

contrast

Focuses on highlighting the differences between things, often for emphasis.

discriminate

Can imply a more critical or judgmental form of distinguishing, sometimes with negative connotations.

determine

Implies an investigation to accurately establish the difference between objects.

ascertain

Suggests a process of finding something out for certain through investigation.

FAQs

How to use "distinguish" in a sentence?

You can use "distinguish" to show the difference between two or more things. For example, "It is important to "differentiate" /s/between fact and opinion".

What can I say instead of "distinguish"?

You can use alternatives like "differentiate", "discern", or "tell apart" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "distinguish" or "differentiate"?

Both "distinguish" and "differentiate" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Distinguish" implies recognizing a difference, while "differentiate" emphasizes the act of creating a difference or observing the differences between things.

What's the difference between "distinguish" and "discriminate"?

"Distinguish" means to recognize or point out a difference. "Discriminate" can also mean to distinguish, but often carries a negative connotation of unfair treatment based on categories such as race or gender.