distinguished by

USAGE SUMMARY

"distinguished by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe the difference or distinction between two or more things. For example: "The two brothers were distinguished by their different personalities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Specimens are distinguished by fluorescence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Twill weave is distinguished by diagonal lines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sprints are distinguished by their brevity.

The New York Times

They are distinguished by relatively few characteristics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sakurada's work is distinguished by its wit.

Britannica

Murphy was also distinguished by his voice.

The New York Times - Sports

They are distinguished by their unphotographic look.

The New York Times - Arts

Not distinguished by any discriminative appellation.

Yale University

These successful businesses are distinguished by highly focused strategies.

Harvard Business Review

Lymphocytes were distinguished by CD3+/TCRβ+, CD45+ cells.

Nature

Craig's scholarship was distinguished by both depth and breadth.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinguished by" to clearly identify the key characteristic that differentiates one thing from another. For instance, "This breed of dog is distinguished by its unique coat pattern."

Common error

Avoid using "distinguished by" when the differentiating factor is not clear or significant. For example, instead of saying "The projects are distinguished by their progress", specify the differences: "The first project is distinguished by its rapid progress, while the second lags behind."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinguished by" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically follows a verb (often a form of "to be") and serves to modify a noun or noun phrase, indicating a specific characteristic or attribute that sets it apart. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "distinguished by" is a common and grammatically sound way to highlight the unique characteristics that set something apart. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While alternatives like "characterized by" or "marked by" exist, "distinguished by" provides a clear and effective means of conveying what makes a subject unique. When using this phrase, ensure that the differentiating factor is clear and significant to avoid vagueness. Its frequent usage across various authoritative sources underscores its reliability and versatility in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characterized by

Focuses on the defining attributes or qualities.

marked by

Emphasizes a notable or prominent feature.

defined by

Highlights the essential aspects that constitute something.

known for

Suggests a widely recognized attribute.

notable for

Indicates a quality deserving attention.

identified by

Focuses on specific features used for recognition.

recognized by

Highlights features through which something is acknowledged.

sets apart

Emphasizes the uniqueness of something.

is unique for

Highlights the distinctiveness of a subject.

bears the hallmark of

Indicates a characteristic feature or quality that is a clear sign of something.

FAQs

How can I use "distinguished by" in a sentence?

Use "distinguished by" to highlight the key characteristics that set something apart. For example, "The two paintings are "distinguished by" their use of color".

What are some alternatives to "distinguished by"?

Alternatives include "characterized by", "marked by", and "defined by", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Which is correct, "distinguished by" or "distinguished from"?

"Distinguished by" highlights a key characteristic, while "distinguished from" emphasizes differences. For example, "This author is "distinguished by" his unique writing style", versus "This species is "distinguished from" that one by its habitat".

What is the difference between "distinguished by" and "known for"?

"Distinguished by" highlights a specific, often inherent characteristic, while "known for" implies a more widely recognized or celebrated attribute. You could say a building is "distinguished by" its architecture but "known for" its historical significance.