finer distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finer distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing subtle differences or nuances between concepts, ideas, or categories. Example: "In philosophy, making a finer distinction between ethics and morality can lead to deeper understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Options for future studies on the validity and other psychometric properties of the ACRES with finer distinction include the possibility to break down the commute route into distinct segments and have the participants to rate each of them.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Some analysts and portfolio managers say investors should make a finer distinction by focusing on small-cap growth funds as opposed to value funds.

The New York Times

Instead, he said, Washington voters would decide a finer distinction for only marriage itself and could thus vote to repeal the new law without feeling that legal harm was being done to anyone.

The New York Times

This finer distinction may emerge later in development as a result of learning biological theories in the abstract context.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

This distributional difference may add to the evidences that point to a finer distinction of semantic relations.

Lingua Sinica

A finer distinction of the semantic roles of the subject is necessary, as proposed below, to help differentiate the observed variations in the subclasses.

Lingua Sinica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

That may encourage them to zero in on finer distinctions.

The New York Times

Faster computers and new modelling techniques might well provide more details and finer distinctions.

The Economist

But as more computing devices have touch screens, the finer distinctions between Android and ChromeOS may seem unimportant.

The Guardian - Tech

This observation is connected with the fact that, in the usual logical semantics, no finer distinctions are utilized in semantical discussions than logical equivalence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A natural log transformation of groundwater depth was tested to see if rescaling dataset variance would result in finer distinctions for regions of shallow groundwater.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision in your writing, use "finer distinction" to indicate a subtle difference that requires careful consideration. This term is especially useful in academic, scientific, or legal contexts where accuracy is paramount.

Common error

While "finer distinction" is appropriate in formal settings, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "small difference" or "slight variation" may be more suitable and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finer distinction" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe the act of making a more precise or subtle differentiation. As Ludwig AI says, it is usable in written English, particularly in contexts where precision is valued.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "finer distinction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, especially in formal and scientific contexts. It serves to emphasize the subtle and precise nature of a differentiation, requiring careful thought and analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and suggests alternatives like "subtle difference" or "nuanced distinction" for variety. While valuable for precise writing, avoid overuse in informal settings for a more natural tone. The phrase appears most often in Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subtle difference

Emphasizes the small and delicate nature of the difference.

nuanced distinction

Highlights the presence of subtle variations and complexities.

delicate distinction

Suggests a difference that is easily overlooked or requires careful consideration.

minute difference

Focuses on the extremely small size or degree of the difference.

precise differentiation

Highlights the accuracy and exactness in distinguishing between two things.

careful discrimination

Suggests that discernment requires thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

sharp contrast

Implies a clear and easily noticeable difference.

clear differentiation

Focuses on the unambiguous and distinct separation between concepts.

refined point

Highlights a specific detail that requires thorough insight.

narrow margin

Suggests that the difference is not very significant and easily missed.

FAQs

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

You can use "finer distinction" to highlight subtle differences between two or more concepts. For example: "The researcher made a "finer distinction" between correlation and causation in the study."

What are some alternatives to "finer distinction"?

Some alternatives to "finer distinction" include "subtle difference", "nuanced distinction", or "delicate distinction", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "finer distinction" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "finer distinction" when you want to emphasize a subtle or nuanced difference that might not be immediately obvious. It is particularly useful in academic, scientific, and legal writing.

What's the difference between "finer distinction" and "clear difference"?

"Finer distinction" implies a more subtle and nuanced difference, requiring careful observation, whereas "clear difference" suggests a more obvious and easily discernible contrast.