has distinguished himself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has distinguished himself" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that someone has achieved success or has been recognized for their accomplishments or talent. It is typically used to describe a person, but can also be used for a group or organization. Here are some examples of how it can be used in a sentence: 1. John has distinguished himself as a skilled entrepreneur, building a successful company from the ground up. 2. The organization has distinguished itself as a leader in sustainability efforts, receiving multiple awards and recognition. 3. Despite facing challenges, the team has distinguished themselves in the competition, earning first place. 4. As a young artist, she has already distinguished herself with her unique style and technique. 5. Throughout his career, the actor has consistently distinguished himself with powerful and captivating performances.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

None has distinguished himself particularly within the company.

The New Yorker

Gabriele Colangelo has distinguished himself in a number of different ways.

The New York Times

Pope Francis already has distinguished himself from his predecessor with a more down-to-earth style.

The New Yorker

President Jaruzelski has distinguished himself by not interfering with the government's work.

The Economist

He has distinguished himself & won the admiration of his peers in most major capitals.

The New Yorker

Paul has distinguished himself as the most consistent candidate in the GOP field.

The Washington Post

He has distinguished himself as a prosecutor, a judge, and a senior official.

The New York Times

He has distinguished himself in just his seventh round at the Wachovia Championship.

The New York Times - Sports

He has distinguished himself among his colleagues on charity committees with his organizational zeal.

The New York Times - Style

ROME — Pope Francis already has distinguished himself from his predecessor with a more down-to-earth style.

The New York Times

Rose has averaged 18.7 points and 6.2 assists in two N.B.A. seasons and has distinguished himself with his quickness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has distinguished himself" to highlight significant achievements or contributions that set an individual apart from others. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing a unique skill or a notable impact.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that dilute the impact of the achievement. Instead of saying "he was distinguished", emphasize the active role by stating "he has distinguished himself" to highlight his proactive contribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has distinguished himself" functions as a descriptive verbal phrase, indicating that someone has achieved notable recognition or success. This is supported by examples found by Ludwig, which highlight accomplishments in various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has distinguished himself" is a common and grammatically correct way to commend an individual for notable achievements and recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic settings. Alternatives like "has made a name for himself" or "has stood out" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the individual's active role in achieving their accomplishments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has made a name for himself

Indicates someone has become well-known and respected, emphasizing reputation.

has excelled

Focuses on achieving high standards and superior performance.

has stood out

Highlights being noticeably better or more prominent than others.

has proven his worth

Emphasizes demonstrating value and competence through actions and achievements.

has set himself apart

Stresses being different and superior compared to others.

has risen to prominence

Suggests achieving a high rank or status, emphasizing upward mobility.

has shown exceptional talent

Highlights demonstrating remarkable skill and ability.

has gained recognition

Indicates receiving acknowledgment and praise for achievements.

has become renowned

Emphasizes widespread fame and respect, focusing on reputation.

has demonstrated excellence

Focuses on consistently showing superior quality and performance.

FAQs

What does "has distinguished himself" mean?

It means someone has achieved notable success or recognition, setting them apart from others in a positive way.

How can I use "has distinguished himself" in a sentence?

Use it to highlight specific achievements: "He has distinguished himself as a leading expert in the field."

What can I say instead of "has distinguished himself"?

You can use alternatives like "has made a name for himself", "has excelled", or "has stood out" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "has distinguished herself" instead of "has distinguished himself"?

Yes, "has distinguished herself" is correct when referring to a female individual. The pronoun must match the subject's gender.