earned distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earned distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has achieved a notable level of recognition or excellence in a particular field or activity. Example: "She earned distinction in her studies, graduating at the top of her class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

In many cases, it's not enough to have earned distinction in a single field.

The Washington Post

This knowledge is contained in a relatively small number of texts that have survived scrutiny and earned distinction.

The New Yorker

Mr. Peterson was one of a generation of young reporters who earned distinction as war correspondents in Vietnam.

The New York Times

Dan, he said, has already earned distinction enough: He is the first student from Ossining High ever to reach the finals.

The New York Times - Science

"This is about the acceptance that eluded us," said Mr. Torres, 78, who himself earned distinction as a jurist, novelist and raconteur.

The New York Times

TORONTO — The Yankees have made a habit this season of drawing comparisons to players from the past who earned distinction in pinstripes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In school, he earned distinctions in every subject, had an A-plus average, won several scholarships and received awards for his paintings.

The New York Times

Despite his results, he was allowed to stay on at school; two years later he earned distinctions in English and History, and passed the entrance exams for St John's College, Oxford, to read English.

Wikipedia

The two-term essay is required to earn Distinction in the Major.

Yale University

Overall GPA (all semesters, cumulative) equal to or higher than the GPA needed to earn Distinction in General Scholarship.

University of California, Berkeley

Part of a mid-20th-century cadre of sophists, he wrote prodigiously, and iconoclastically, in left-leaning journals while earning distinction as a sociologist.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earned distinction" to highlight accomplishments that deserve special recognition, especially when emphasizing the effort involved. For example, "She earned distinction for her innovative research."

Common error

Avoid using "earned distinction" for routine accomplishments. Reserve it for instances where the achievement is truly exceptional and noteworthy. For example, saying someone "earned distinction" for simply completing a task diminishes the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earned distinction" functions as a means to express acknowledgment and validation of an individual's achievements, highlighting their merit and significant contributions. It’s commonly employed to formally recognize accomplishments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earned distinction" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote that someone has achieved a notable level of recognition or excellence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It commonly appears in news, academic and encyclopedic contexts. To highlight an accomplishment, one can use alternative phrases like "achieved recognition", "gained prominence", or "won acclaim". While it's important to celebrate true achievements, avoid overusing the phrase in trivial contexts to maintain its impact. By understanding its proper usage, you can effectively recognize and honor those who have truly earned distinction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieved recognition

Focuses on the act of gaining recognition, omitting the specific idea of earning it.

gained prominence

Highlights an increase in visibility and importance, suggesting a broader impact than mere distinction.

won acclaim

Emphasizes receiving praise and approval, differing from the broader concept of distinction.

obtained merit

Focuses on acquiring worthiness or deservingness, rather than the recognition itself.

secured honor

Stresses the attainment of respect and prestige, rather than general distinction.

garnered respect

Highlights the accumulation of respect, implying a gradual process.

attained eminence

Suggests reaching a high rank or position, implying greater status than distinction alone.

established reputation

Focuses on building a lasting positive image, rather than a specific achievement.

distinguished oneself

Emphasizes the act of setting oneself apart, rather than the reward or recognition.

rose to prominence

Suggests a climb in status and influence, with prominence being a consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "earned distinction" in a sentence?

You can use "earned distinction" to highlight accomplishments that deserve special recognition. For example, "The scientist "earned distinction" for their groundbreaking research in medicine".

What's a good alternative to "earned distinction"?

Alternatives to "earned distinction" include "achieved recognition", "gained prominence", or "won acclaim", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "earned distinction"?

No, "earned distinction" is best reserved for significant achievements that involve considerable effort and merit. Avoid using it for routine tasks or minor accomplishments.

What does "earned distinction" imply?

"Earned distinction" implies that someone has achieved a notable level of recognition or excellence through their hard work, skills, or contributions. It signifies that their accomplishment is not only successful but also deserving of praise.