distinguish that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinguish that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something should be differentiated or identified from other things. Example: "It is important to distinguish that this policy only applies to employees who have been with the company for more than five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's difficult sometimes to distinguish that imaginary place from the real world.

The New Yorker

But, it is advisable to distinguish that well from the refusal.

Annales Médico-psychologiques, revue psychiatrique

Where and how do you distinguish that society from other societies?

The Guardian - Books

It's the question of whether you can distinguish that difference from something that is probable just due to chance.

Cornell University

But it doesn't really distinguish that kind of information from the [INAUDIBLE] that there's 16, 17, 18, 19 states.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Most people would not be able to distinguish that sort of difference of pain intensity, which he describes as "minimal".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

He distinguishes that approach from a strictly neighborhood-based strategy.

Harvard University

It gives essentially two reasons for distinguishing that case.

Cornell University

The main tradition distinguished that period is innovation and modification, depending upon the decreased available capabilities.

Desalination

What distinguishes that company from its peers?

Forbes

In humans, five different immunoglobulin isotypes are distinguished that differ in their biological and functional properties [2].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distinguish that", ensure you clearly specify what two or more entities are being differentiated, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "distinguish that" in simple sentences where a simpler verb like "see" or "notice" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinguish that" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the act of differentiating or recognizing a specific fact, condition, or element from others. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "distinguish that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, particularly in academic, scientific, and news contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to highlight a specific fact or condition by differentiating it from others, aiming for clarity and precision. While alternatives like "differentiate that" or "identify that" exist, each carries slightly different nuances. When writing, ensure that the items being distinguished are clearly defined, and avoid overuse in simple sentences to maintain a sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differentiate that

Emphasizes the act of recognizing or highlighting differences between two or more things.

discern that

Highlights the use of perception or sharp insight to detect or understand something.

identify that

Focuses on recognizing or establishing something as being a particular thing.

determine that

Suggests a process of investigation or reasoning leading to a conclusive decision or judgment.

ascertain that

Implies finding something out for certain; making sure of something.

recognize that

Focuses on acknowledging or being aware of something.

tell that

Informal way to suggest being able to perceive or notice something.

separate that

Emphasizes keeping two or more things apart, either physically or conceptually.

contrast that

Focuses on the act of comparing things to show their differences.

pinpoint that

Suggests identifying something precisely or accurately.

FAQs

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

You can use "distinguish that" to highlight a difference between two or more things. For instance, "It is important to "distinguish that" policy applies only to full-time employees".

What are some alternatives to "distinguish that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "differentiate that", "identify that", or "ascertain that".

Is it more formal to use "distinguish that" or "notice that"?

"Distinguish that" is generally more formal and emphasizes a careful or analytical separation, while "notice that" is more casual and suggests a simple observation.

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

"Distinguish between" is used when explicitly comparing two or more items. "Distinguish that" is used to set apart a particular fact or condition.