draw a distinction between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'draw a distinction between' is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate a difference or a contrast between two things, and it can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, "We need to draw a distinction between the merits of a decision and its practicality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let me draw a distinction between presence and charisma.

Harvard Business Review

I'd draw a distinction between secrecy and confidentiality.

The New Yorker

"We have to draw a distinction between open government and open negotiation," Mr. Paterson said.

The New York Times

"But we need to draw a distinction between policy oversight and procedural oversight," she added.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

"But I would like to draw a distinction between Gill and these guys.

The Guardian - Books

Like many people who barter, Mr. Fritzsche tends to draw a distinction between cash and barter.

The New York Times

People draw a distinction between being a great player and winning.

The New York Times - Sports

It is impossible to draw a distinction between bed and breakfasts and hotels.

The Guardian

Parsons is careful to draw a distinction between these and what he calls "potable" bitters.

The Washington Post

A1 European intellectuals tend to draw a distinction between the American government and the American people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draw a distinction between" to clarify complex topics by breaking them down into more understandable components. This is especially useful in academic and professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex language when trying to "draw a distinction between" two things. The goal is clarity, so use straightforward and accessible terms to make your point effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw a distinction between" functions as a phrasal verb used to highlight differences between two or more entities or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and accepted expression. It directs the audience to consider the contrasting characteristics of the subjects being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw a distinction between" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that serves to highlight differences between two or more subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various authoritative sources underscore its reliability. The phrase is particularly useful in clarifying complex topics and promoting nuanced understanding, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives like "differentiate between" and "distinguish between" exist, "draw a distinction between" provides a clear and effective way to guide your audience in recognizing key differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differentiate between

Focuses more directly on the act of recognizing differences.

distinguish between

Similar to differentiate, but often implies a clearer, more defined separation.

make a distinction between

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing the act of distinguishing.

discriminate between

Implies a more critical or selective distinction, sometimes with a negative connotation.

establish a distinction between

Suggests setting up a clear and recognized difference.

contrast with

Highlights the differences by comparing two things directly.

highlight the difference between

Emphasizes bringing attention to the differences.

set apart

Focuses on what makes one thing unique or different from others.

identify a contrast between

Focuses on pointing out the difference that is very often clear

separate

A simpler term for creating distance or difference between things.

FAQs

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

You can use "draw a distinction between" to highlight the differences between two concepts, ideas, or objects. For example, "It is important to "draw a distinction between" correlation and causation when analyzing data".

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

Alternatives include "differentiate between", "distinguish between", or "contrast with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "draw a distinction between" or "make a distinction between"?

Both "draw a distinction between" and "make a distinction between" are correct and widely used. The choice often depends on personal preference, although "make a distinction between" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "draw a distinction between" and "draw a parallel between"?

"Draw a distinction between" highlights differences, while "draw a parallel between" highlights similarities. For example, you might "draw a distinction between" two economic theories, but "draw a parallel between" two historical events.