highly distinctive

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly distinctive" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that stands out as unique or different from other things. For example: "The peacock's brightly-colored feathers are highly distinctive and set it apart from other birds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have a highly distinctive core business.

The Economist

Its highly distinctive decoration is uniquely archaistic.

The New York Times - Arts

Voice can also be eclectic and highly distinctive.

The New York Times

Ukip support is highly distinctive in that it is concentrated in areas of unemployment and retirement.

The Guardian - Opinion

What gave him away to fellow ministers, apparently, was his highly distinctive ringtone.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her own vivid, dreamlike images are highly distinctive, more gothic than surreal.

The Guardian - Arts

Today, freshly minted, it is a handsome, highly distinctive addition to the dining scene.

The New York Times - Food

It happens to be a sausage made from pork intestines, with a highly distinctive fragrance.

The New York Times - Magazine

One is Vestal Vodka from Poland, which produces highly distinctive vodkas from potatoes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This may seem strange, but Havering's local politics are highly distinctive.

The Guardian

This category, known as "brut nature," represents a highly distinctive side of Champagne.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highly distinctive" when you want to emphasize that something is not just different, but also stands out in a significant and easily recognizable way. It's stronger than simply saying "distinctive".

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "highly distinctive" in very casual conversation can sound overly formal. Consider simpler alternatives like "unique" or "special" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly distinctive" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize its unique and easily recognizable qualities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly distinctive" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that emphasizes the unique and easily recognizable qualities of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific writing. When aiming for a slightly less formal tone, alternatives like "very distinctive" or "unique" might be preferred. This phrase's purpose is to draw attention to specific qualities that make something noticeably different. With a source quality score of 84 and an expert rating of 4.5, its usage is considered consistent and reliable across different domains. The extensive examples provided by Ludwig further illustrate the versatility of this phrase in conveying a strong sense of differentiation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very distinctive

Emphasizes distinction, but with less intensity than "highly distinctive".

strikingly distinctive

Highlights the noticeable and impressive nature of the distinction.

remarkably distinctive

Emphasizes the unusual or surprising nature of the distinction.

exceptionally distinctive

Indicates a distinction that goes beyond the ordinary.

uniquely characteristic

Focuses on the specific traits that make something stand out.

clearly differentiated

Highlights the ease with which something can be distinguished from others.

patently individual

Stresses the obvious and undeniable individuality of something.

singularly unique

Emphasizes the absolute and unmatched uniqueness.

particularly outstanding

Focuses on the exceptional quality that sets something apart.

markedly different

Highlights the noticeable contrast compared to other things.

FAQs

How can I use "highly distinctive" in a sentence?

You can use "highly distinctive" to describe something with easily recognizable and unique qualities. For example: "The bird has a "highly distinctive song"."

What are some alternatives to "highly distinctive"?

Alternatives include "very distinctive", "strikingly distinctive", or "uniquely characteristic", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "highly distinctive" too formal for everyday conversation?

While not incorrect, "highly distinctive" can sound somewhat formal in very casual settings. Simpler words like "unique" or "special" might be more appropriate in everyday conversation.

What makes something "highly distinctive" versus simply "distinctive"?

The adverb "highly" intensifies the adjective "distinctive", indicating that the unique qualities are prominent and easily noticeable. It suggests a stronger degree of differentiation.