distinguishes between

USAGE SUMMARY

"distinguishes between" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are comparing two things, indicating that there is a clear difference between them. For example, you could say: "This book distinguishes between different types of political systems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Davies distinguishes between laughter and humour.

Independent

Ms. Hughes distinguishes between two types of vacations.

The New York Times

He rightly distinguishes between achieved and ascribed identity.

The Guardian - Books

He distinguishes between what Snowden did and journalists do.

The Guardian

Clear labeling distinguishes between organic and conventional foods.

The New York Times - Food

Marian Schwartz distinguishes between faithful and literal translations.

The New Yorker

Britain distinguishes between the parts, listing only the militant wing.

The New York Times

Mr Admani also distinguishes between dangerous extremism and noisy radicalism.

The Economist

Thermodynamics distinguishes between isolated, closed, and open systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Reid distinguishes between several functions of conception.

SEP

Crescas distinguishes between the different properties.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distinguishes between", ensure that the entities you are comparing are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "distinguishes between" when the categories being compared are not mutually exclusive or have significant overlap. In such cases, consider using phrases like "differentiates aspects of" or "examines the relationship between" for more accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinguishes between" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to express the action of recognizing or pointing out differences between two or more entities. Ludwig confirms its correctness and broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinguishes between" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight differences between entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correctness and broad applicability make it suitable for various contexts, especially academic, scientific, and journalistic writing. While alternatives like "differentiates between" and "separates into" exist, choosing the right term depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid using "distinguishes between" when the categories being compared are not mutually exclusive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differentiates between

This alternative is a more formal synonym, emphasizing a detailed analysis to identify differences.

draws a distinction between

This alternative suggests a careful and deliberate effort to identify a difference.

classifies into

This alternative is similar, highlighting a systematic grouping based on shared characteristics.

identifies the difference between

This emphasizes the act of recognizing and naming a clear variance.

discriminates between

This alternative suggests discerning a clear difference, often with an implication of careful judgment.

delineates between

This alternative implies defining clear boundaries or limits to show a difference.

separates into

This focuses on the act of dividing into distinct groups, rather than just identifying differences.

contrasts with

This emphasizes highlighting the differences or dissimilar qualities between two or more entities.

sets apart

This focuses on the act of making something noticeably different or superior.

marks the difference between

This explicitly points out a divergence instead of performing a categorization.

FAQs

How can I use "distinguishes between" in a sentence?

You can use "distinguishes between" to highlight differences. For example, "The author "distinguishes between" classical and modern economic theories."

What are some alternatives to "distinguishes between"?

Alternatives include "differentiates between", "separates into", and "classifies into" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "differentiates between" instead of "distinguishes between"?

Yes, "differentiates between" is a valid and often more formal synonym for "distinguishes between".

What's the difference between "distinguishes between" and "compares"?

"Distinguishes between" focuses on highlighting differences, while "compares" implies examining both similarities and differences. Therefore, "compares" is a broader term.