has distinguished themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has distinguished themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who has achieved recognition or excellence in a particular field or context. Example: "The scientist has distinguished themselves through their groundbreaking research and numerous publications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Every one of them has distinguished themselves in the industry," he said.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

More recently, designers have distinguished themselves by rejecting logos.

The New Yorker

Gawker Media sites have distinguished themselves with a tone that says, "I've got no strings".

The New York Times

"Three years later, they've distinguished themselves more clearly; it's not just about protest.

The Guardian

All three have distinguished themselves as campaigners in various ways in the last four years.

The Guardian

A handful of actively managed funds have distinguished themselves in the 12 months through March.

The New York Times

Not all Steven Cohens have distinguished themselves in a way that promotes pride among their doppelgangers.

The New York Times

Many have distinguished themselves as seafarers; Jacques Cartier, for example, who explored Canada, was born in Saint-Malo.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this context, it is not surprising that few aborigines have distinguished themselves.

The New York Times - Magazine

The awards highlight individuals and firms who have distinguished themselves in architecture, landscape design and urbanism.

The New York Times

But Joey, Carmine and Gino have distinguished themselves from just about every other daydreaming visionary on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Brooklyn-Queens Expressway

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has distinguished themselves", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific area or field in which the subjects have excelled. Provide concrete examples or evidence to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a passive voice when using "has distinguished themselves". Instead, focus on active constructions that highlight the subject's actions. For instance, prefer "They have distinguished themselves through innovation" over "They have been distinguished by their innovation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has distinguished themselves" functions as a verb phrase, specifically in the present perfect tense. It indicates that individuals or entities have achieved a level of recognition or excellence. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase follows standard English grammar rules. The examples provided by Ludwig show a clear focus on active achievement and recognition within various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has distinguished themselves" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe individuals or groups who have achieved recognition or excellence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase adheres to standard English grammar. It is often found in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, highlighting achievements in various fields. While alternatives like "has made a name for themselves" or "has set themselves apart" exist, the key is to ensure that the context is appropriate and the subject's accomplishments are well-supported. By focusing on active voice and providing clear evidence, writers can effectively use this phrase to commend significant achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has made a name for themselves

Focuses on establishing a reputation, often implying long-term success.

has set themselves apart

Emphasizes uniqueness and standing out from others.

has excelled

Highlights exceptional performance and achievement.

has stood out

Indicates noticeable achievement or quality, emphasizing visibility.

has proven their mettle

Suggests having faced challenges and demonstrated strength and capability.

has risen to prominence

Implies gaining importance and recognition over time.

has achieved distinction

Focuses on attaining a high level of recognition or honor.

has become renowned

Highlights widespread fame and respect in a particular area.

has gained recognition

Focuses on receiving acknowledgement for their efforts or qualities.

has shown exceptional merit

Emphasizes deservingness and outstanding qualities or accomplishments.

FAQs

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

Use "has distinguished themselves" to describe individuals or groups that have gained recognition for their exceptional qualities or achievements. For example: "The team "has distinguished themselves" through their groundbreaking research."

What are some alternatives to "has distinguished themselves"?

Alternatives include "has made a name for themselves", "has set themselves apart", or "has excelled". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has distinguished himself" or "has distinguished themselves"?

Both are correct depending on the subject. Use "has distinguished himself" for a singular male subject and "has distinguished themselves" for a plural subject or when referring to a group.

What is the difference between "has distinguished themselves" and "has become known"?

"Has distinguished themselves" implies active effort and achievement, while "has become known" simply indicates that someone is now recognized, regardless of how that recognition was achieved.