distinguish from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'distinguish from' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the difference between two things. For example, you could say, "Children need to be able to distinguish right from wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hard to distinguish from the master.

The New York Times

"He can distinguish from right and wrong.

The New York Times - Magazine

Rudd's conservative agenda was often difficult to distinguish from Howard's.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its flaws are impossible to distinguish from its pleasures.

The New York Times

Some are harder to distinguish from their neighbors than others.

MIT Technology Review

Showfolk scurry and scamper, impossible to distinguish from civilians.

The New York Times

They may be hard to distinguish from signs of infection.

The New York Times - Science

Often, the stories are hard to distinguish from spam.

The New Yorker

These workhouses were difficult to distinguish from houses of correction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That made them hard to distinguish from rebels.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Expression must be distinguished from evocation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinguish from" when you want to highlight the ability to recognize clear differences between two or more things. It's useful in analytical and descriptive writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "distinguish to" or "distinguish with". The correct preposition to use with "distinguish" when comparing two entities is "from".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinguish from" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate the ability or action of recognizing differences between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

31%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinguish from" is a versatile phrase that highlights the ability to perceive differences between entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing, its prevalence in diverse fields like news, academia, and science showcases its broad applicability. When aiming for clarity, remember to employ "distinguish from" to highlight contrasts effectively. Alternatives like ""differentiate between"" and "discern from" offer nuanced variations for more precise communication. Avoid common errors by consistently pairing "distinguish" with "from" and considering the subtle distinctions from similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differentiate between

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

discern from

Emphasizes keen perception or judgment in recognizing distinctions.

tell apart

Highlights the ability to identify differences and avoid confusion.

differentiate from each other

Explicitly states that multiple entities are being compared to find differences.

separate from

Suggests a clear division or demarcation between items.

contrast with

Emphasizes the juxtaposition of items to highlight their differences.

know the difference between

Focuses on possessing the knowledge required to identify dissimilarities.

make a distinction between

Highlights the action of creating a perceived difference.

set apart from

Emphasizes that one thing is different from others, marking it as unique.

determine the difference between

Focuses on the process of finding out the dissimilarities.

FAQs

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

Use "distinguish from" to show the ability to see the differences between two things. For example, "It can be difficult to "tell apart" /s/tell+apart identical twins, but with careful observation, you can "differentiate between" their personalities.

What are some alternatives to "distinguish from"?

You can use alternatives such as ""differentiate between"", "discern from", or ""tell apart"" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "distinguish from" or "distinguish between"?

"Distinguish from" is used to highlight a specific difference. "Distinguish between" is used when discussing the act of differentiating among multiple options. While both are acceptable, "distinguish between" is slightly more common when more than two items are involved. In the case of differentiating 2 elements, both can be used.

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

While "distinguish from" and "differentiate from" are often used interchangeably, "distinguish from" implies a more subtle or refined perception of differences, while "differentiate from" can sometimes imply a more active process of identifying differences.