distinguish between

USAGE SUMMARY

"distinguish between" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of making a distinction or difference between two or more things. For example, "We must distinguish between fact and opinion when we analyze a text."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I never distinguish between work and pleasure.

The New Yorker

"We don't distinguish between people," he said.

The New York Times

"People don't distinguish between the two".

The New York Times

It's important to distinguish between the two.

The New York Times

But how to distinguish between the two?

Forbes

The citizens distinguish between love and sex.

SEP

We can distinguish between two approaches.

SEP

They don't distinguish between Buenos Aires and Mexico City.

Forbes

"I don't distinguish between cultures". .

Los Angeles Times

People have to distinguish between the two.

Vice

It doesn't distinguish between high schools.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinguish between" to highlight key differences, aiding clarity in explanations and arguments.

Common error

Avoid using "distinguish between" when differences are negligible; instead, use it when differences have a significant impact or consequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinguish between" functions as a verb phrase that highlights the act of recognizing and understanding the differences between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Examples in Ludwig show it applied to various contexts from differentiating feelings to differentiating academic concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

31%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinguish between" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight the differences between two or more items. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. While alternatives like "differentiate between" and "discern between" exist, "distinguish between" provides a clear and direct way to emphasize key distinctions. Remember to use it when the differences are meaningful and contribute to clarity. The phrase is mostly used in News & Media, Wiki and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differentiate between

Focuses on identifying differences more broadly.

discern between

Emphasizes perception and insight in recognizing differences.

differentiate among

Used when distinguishing between multiple items, not just two.

tell the difference between

Highlights the ability to notice differences.

separate between

Suggests a more physical or conceptual division.

contrast between

Emphasizes highlighting the differences to clarify understanding.

compare and contrast

Involves examining both similarities and differences, broader in scope.

draw a distinction between

Highlights creating or emphasizing a difference.

make a distinction between

Focuses on the act of actively differentiating.

know the difference between

Highlights acquired knowledge in recognizing differences.

FAQs

How can I use "distinguish between" in a sentence?

Use "distinguish between" to highlight the differences between two or more things. For example, "It is important to "distinguish between" facts and opinions when evaluating information."

What is a good alternative to "distinguish between"?

Alternatives include "differentiate between", "discern between", or "tell the difference between" depending on the context.

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

While similar, "distinguish between" often implies a clearer, more easily recognizable difference, whereas "differentiate between" can refer to identifying more subtle or complex differences.

Is it always necessary to "distinguish between" two options?

No, it's only necessary when there is a potential for confusion or when the differences are important to understand. If the items are essentially the same, there's no need to "distinguish between" them.