draw a distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'draw a distinction' is perfectly usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to point out the difference between two things. For example, "It is important to draw a distinction between what is ethical and what is legal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But many influentials draw a distinction.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'd draw a distinction between secrecy and confidentiality.

The New Yorker

But it is hard to draw a distinction.

The Economist

It's an odd place to draw a distinction.

The New York Times

Let me draw a distinction between presence and charisma.

Harvard Business Review

Man and nature: Salgado doesn't always draw a distinction.

The Guardian - Arts

"They are trying to draw a distinction," he said.

The New York Times

Draw a distinction in Jupiter's case, however, for this is no ordinary heavenly body.

Harvard University

He went on to draw a distinction between being partisan and being independent.

The New Yorker

Then Frazier pointed to his 1973 championship ring to draw a distinction.

The New York Times - Sports

Appraisers and lawyers draw a distinction between passive and active assets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "draw a distinction", ensure that the distinction you're making is clear and relevant to your argument or explanation. Provide sufficient detail to clarify the differences you're highlighting.

Common error

Avoid using "draw a distinction" without adequately explaining the specific differences. Failing to elaborate can leave your audience confused about what exactly you're trying to differentiate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw a distinction" functions as a verbial phrase used to indicate the act of differentiating between two or more concepts, items, or ideas. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, demonstrating its versatility in academic, journalistic, and professional settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "draw a distinction" is a versatile and commonly used expression that serves to highlight and clarify differences between concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "differentiate between" or "distinguish between" exist, "draw a distinction" effectively emphasizes the active process of identifying and explaining the differences. Remember to clearly articulate the distinctions you are making to avoid confusion. Its consistent application across authoritative sources reinforces its reliability and usefulness in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a differentiation

Focuses on the action of creating a difference, emphasizing the active role in distinguishing.

differentiate between

Highlights the separation of two entities based on specific characteristics.

distinguish between

Emphasizes recognizing clear differences between items.

discern a difference

Implies a more subtle or perceptive recognition of a difference.

establish a contrast

Highlights the presence of opposing characteristics.

set apart

Indicates making something different and distinguishable from others.

demarcate

Suggests a clear boundary or separation.

separate

Focuses on the act of dividing or keeping things apart.

identify a disparity

Highlights the recognition of an inequality or difference.

recognize a difference

Emphasizes the acknowledgement of a dissimilarity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "draw a distinction" in a sentence?

To effectively use "draw a distinction", clearly state the two or more items you are comparing and then elaborate on the specific differences between them. For example, "We must "draw a distinction" between correlation and causation when analyzing data."

What are some alternatives to using "draw a distinction"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "differentiate between", "distinguish between", or "make a differentiation" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "draw a distinction" and "make a distinction"?

While both phrases are similar, "draw a distinction" implies a more active process of identifying and outlining the differences, whereas "make a distinction" can suggest a more general act of creating a difference. They are often interchangeable but "draw a distinction" is a stronger expression.

When is it appropriate to "draw a distinction" rather than simply stating differences?

It's appropriate to "draw a distinction" when you need to emphasize the importance of recognizing the differences for clarity, understanding, or decision-making. It's more than just stating facts; it's about highlighting significant variations.