distinguished itself

USAGE SUMMARY

"distinguished itself" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something has set itself apart from others in a notable way. Example: "The team distinguished itself by achieving the highest score in the competition." Alternative expressions include "set itself apart" and "made a name for itself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anglo has not distinguished itself in the past decade.

The Economist

Hillrock further distinguished itself by building its own malting house.

The New York Times

The incumbent Administration has distinguished itself for the ages.

The New Yorker

This year's team distinguished itself with an elegant, collective style.

The New York Times - Sports

But one group distinguished itself, squeezing the grip for 35 seconds after the test of will.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Sinaloa has always distinguished itself by the eclectic means it uses to transport drugs.

The New York Times - Magazine

The ensemble has distinguished itself with excellent performances and recordings of Beethoven symphonies.

The New York Times - Arts

But even against that backdrop, Uganda has distinguished itself for its hostility to same-sex freedoms.

The New York Times

Twitter has long distinguished itself from other social networks for letting its users speak freely.

The New York Times

In nearly five years of war, the Assad regime has distinguished itself for its utter inhumanity.

The New Yorker

But Wednesday's hearing distinguished itself from the usual mandatory civic gathering.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinguished itself" when you want to emphasize a specific quality, achievement, or method that sets something apart from its peers. For instance, 'The company distinguished itself by pioneering sustainable practices.'

Common error

Avoid using "distinguished itself" when a simple verb like "excelled" or "stood out" would suffice and be more direct. Overusing reflexive pronouns can make writing sound awkward or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinguished itself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating that a subject has set itself apart or become notable in some way. Ludwig's examples show it often describes actions or qualities that make something stand out.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinguished itself" is a versatile reflexive verb phrase used to indicate that a subject has set itself apart or become notable through specific achievements or qualities. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. Alternatives include "set itself apart" or "made a name for itself". When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a unique and noteworthy aspect of the subject, avoiding overuse for stylistic clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinguished itself from the crowd

Explicitly indicates separating oneself from a larger group through notable qualities.

set itself apart

Emphasizes the act of differentiation, often suggesting a conscious effort to be distinct.

made a name for itself

Highlights the act of gaining recognition and reputation through achievements.

excelled

Focuses on superior performance and achievement in a particular area.

stood out

Highlights the visibility and prominence compared to others, implying a notable difference.

rose above the rest

Suggests overcoming challenges and surpassing others in quality or achievement.

outshone others

Implies a brighter or more impressive performance compared to competitors.

carved a niche

Emphasizes creating a unique position or specialty in a competitive environment.

proven its mettle

Highlights the act of demonstrating capability and worth through trials and challenges.

become preeminent

Emphasizes achieving a position of superiority and dominance in a particular field.

FAQs

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

Use "distinguished itself" to show that something has become notable or different from others through a specific action or quality. For example, "The university "distinguished itself through" its innovative research programs".

What are some alternatives to "distinguished itself"?

Alternatives include "set itself apart", "made a name for itself", or "excelled", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "distinguished itself from"?

Yes, "distinguished itself from" is a correct and common construction used to show how something is different or unique compared to others. For example, "The company "distinguished itself from" competitors by offering superior customer service".

What's the difference between "distinguished itself" and "differentiated itself"?

"Distinguished itself" typically implies a positive or notable achievement that sets something apart, while "differentiated itself" simply means it has become distinct, without necessarily implying superiority. The nuance depends on the specific context.