distinguish themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

"distinguish themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that has positively stood out among its peers. For example: "The new students at the school quickly distinguished themselves with their dedication and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When you descend, the shapes distinguish themselves.

The Washington Post

Other men distinguish themselves with a single accessory.

The New York Times - Magazine

How can international students applying to Barnard distinguish themselves?

The New York Times

Other companies are looking to distinguish themselves by price.

The New York Times - Tech

What will high-flyers do next to distinguish themselves?

The Economist

Duddridge wants his audience to distinguish themselves from the crowd.

Independent

Descendants of this line continued to distinguish themselves at war.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Others take a different tack to distinguish themselves.

The New York Times

To further distinguish themselves, spas are cultivating specialties.

The New York Times - Travel

Many have gone on to distinguish themselves in academia, public service, politics, business and the media.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Professor Blount said he is confident that the students will continue to distinguish themselves after graduation.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinguish themselves" when you want to emphasize a positive contrast between individuals or entities and their peers, highlighting their unique qualities or achievements.

Common error

Avoid using "distinguish themselves" in very informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "stand out" might be more appropriate for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinguish themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase. Ludwig AI examples confirm its use to describe actions that set individuals or entities apart from others, emphasizing their unique qualities or achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

32%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinguish themselves" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, meaning to set oneself apart from others through unique qualities or actions. It is most common in News & Media and Academic contexts, with a neutral to professional register. To ensure clarity and precision, it's best to consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and choose the most appropriate alternative, such as "set themselves apart" or "differentiate themselves", depending on the context. Avoid using the phrase in very informal settings, where simpler alternatives may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set themselves apart

Focuses on creating a separation from others, highlighting uniqueness.

differentiate themselves

Emphasizes the act of identifying differences to stand out.

stand out from the crowd

Focuses on being noticeable and different from the majority.

make a name for themselves

Highlights achieving recognition and reputation.

make their mark

Focuses on leaving a lasting impression or impact.

rise above the rest

Implies surpassing others in achievement or quality.

outshine their peers

Highlights surpassing others in performance or talent.

excel beyond expectations

Emphasizes exceeding what is typically anticipated.

carve a niche for themselves

Emphasizes creating a unique and specific position.

establish their individuality

Highlights asserting and confirming one's unique identity.

FAQs

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

Use "distinguish themselves" when you want to express that someone or something is setting themselves apart from others due to unique qualities or actions. For example: "The students "distinguish themselves" through their innovative projects."

What are some alternatives to "distinguish themselves"?

You can use alternatives such as "set themselves apart", "differentiate themselves", or "stand out from the crowd" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "differentiate themselves" or "distinguish themselves"?

"Differentiate themselves" emphasizes identifying differences, while "distinguish themselves" highlights positive qualities that set them apart. The best choice depends on whether you want to focus on difference or positive distinction.

How does "distinguish themselves" differ from "prove themselves"?

"Distinguish themselves" implies setting oneself apart through unique qualities, while "prove themselves" suggests demonstrating competence or worth. They are not interchangeable.