distinguishing itself

USAGE SUMMARY

"distinguishing itself" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing how something sets itself apart from others. For example: "The company is distinguishing itself through innovative practices." Alternative expressions include "setting itself apart" and "marking its uniqueness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Rep has been on a streak for a while now, consistently distinguishing itself in this fashion.

The New York Times

So Eazel could have trouble distinguishing itself in an already crowded field.

The New York Times

It has difficulty distinguishing itself from its easy sister the historical romance.

The New Yorker

Infiniti's M model had a hard time distinguishing itself from the Nissan Maxima.

The New York Times

Its small economy, which exports gold, copper and hydropower, is distinguishing itself.

The Economist

Define each word or term, and then provide the previous word or term from which the retronym is distinguishing itself.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's got to distinguish itself".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Fifth Platoon continued to distinguish itself.

The New York Times - Books

But on its own terms, Allegretti distinguishes itself admirably.

The New York Times - Food

Sony Ericsson has distinguished itself by developing innovative products, analysts said.

The New York Times

JC: Must a university distinguish itself from its competition?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinguishing itself" when you want to emphasize the active process of becoming different and recognizable among similar entities. This is especially effective when highlighting innovative features or strategic decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "distinguishing itself" in passive constructions where the subject is not actively differentiating. For instance, instead of "It was distinguishing itself", use "It was distinguishing another entity" or rephrase to emphasize the active subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinguishing itself" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the ongoing process of something making itself distinct from others. Ludwig provides various examples that show how this phrase is used to highlight the unique qualities or actions of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "distinguishing itself" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase that highlights the process of something becoming unique. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. To ensure effective writing, use it actively and avoid passive constructions. Consider alternatives like "setting itself apart" or "differentiating itself" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting itself apart

Emphasizes the act of creating a separation from others.

marking its uniqueness

Highlights the unique characteristics being emphasized.

differentiating itself

Focuses on identifying specific differences.

carving a niche for itself

Suggests creating a specific and unique position.

establishing its identity

Emphasizes creating a distinct image or brand.

making its mark

Implies leaving a noticeable and unique impact.

setting the standard

Highlights being a benchmark of quality or innovation.

standing out from the crowd

Focuses on being noticeably different from others.

forging its own path

Suggests creating a unique and independent course of action.

becoming unique

Directly states the result of differentiation.

FAQs

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

You can use "distinguishing itself" to describe how a company, product, or idea is setting itself apart from its competitors or peers. For example, "The company is "distinguishing itself" through its commitment to sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "distinguishing itself"?

Some alternatives include "setting itself apart", "differentiating itself", or "carving a niche for itself". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'distinguishing itself' or should it be 'distinguished itself'?

"Distinguishing itself" is a present participle phrase, used to describe an ongoing action. "Distinguished itself" is past tense, indicating a completed action. Choose the form that matches the intended timeline of the action.

What's the difference between "distinguishing itself" and "differentiating itself"?

While both phrases convey the idea of setting something apart, "distinguishing itself" often implies a more active and intentional effort to create a unique identity. "Differentiating itself" can simply mean that differences exist, without necessarily implying a deliberate action.