The phrase "distinguish itself" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a thing or person that stands out from the group because of its unique qualities. For example, you could say, "The new restaurant distinguished itself from the competition with its modern decor and innovative menu."
It's got to distinguish itself".
The Fifth Platoon continued to distinguish itself.
JC: Must a university distinguish itself from its competition?
The place has always known how to distinguish itself.
TiVo has been working diligently to distinguish itself.
The Giants' running game did not particularly distinguish itself, either.
The method possesses several unique features which distinguish itself from other discontinuous Galerkin methods.
How can Cornell distinguish itself from other universities also trying to raise money?
One way for public art to distinguish itself is to be really big.
One way FireHost is trying to distinguish itself is by commoditizing some relatively advanced security options.
But that's not to say that W.U. can't distinguish itself with an innovative curriculum?
Ludwig does not simply clarify my doubts with English writing, it enlightens my writing with new possibilities
Simone Ivan Conte
Software Engineer at Adobe, UK