in a distinctive way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a distinctive way" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something is unique or different. For example, "He mixed the ingredients together in a distinctive way, creating a delicious and special flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

For example, Trinidadians use Facebook in a distinctive way to reflect local concepts of scandal and gossip.

The Economist

Gould certainly lived in a distinctive way and behaved, even in ordinary circumstances, in a singular way.

The New Yorker

But in fact, Holliday was really smart — and, more important, she played smart, in a distinctive way.

The New Yorker

The first is purely practical: Hitchcock was an artist who was also a popular entertainer, and the New Wave faced the drive for popularity in a distinctive way.

The New Yorker

The name Tetanurae, or "stiff tails," refers to another unusual feature, a transition point in the tail sequence where the vertebrae change form in a distinctive way.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bashir dressed in a distinctive way, also, often in a brown corduroy suit, which is a very un-Iraqi thing to wear.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

But both here and in "The Notorious Landlady" (1962), the other Quine-Edwards film in the set, Quine shows a distinctive way of moving his camera for comic emphasis, dollying in on details or reactions, that breaks with the "invisible" style of the period.

The New York Times

He became Mott over the course of many years of visiting and eventually living in Grenada, where residents had a distinctive way of pronouncing his nickname, Moth.

The New York Times

For more than 25 years, Tim Barnwell has been keeping a close eye on the people and topography of Southern Appalachia, a region of family farms and tobacco fields, rolling hills giving way to steep mountain passes and communities that have, in their relative isolation, developed a distinctive way of life.

The New York Times - Books

A participatory process in selecting the EMR system represents a distinctive way to generate and improve commitment to the project within the organization.

BMC Health Services Research

More than that, though, the higher type deals with others, when he has to, in a rather distinctive way: "A human being who strives for something great considers everyone he meets on his way either as a means or as a delay and obstacle — or as a temporary resting place" (BGE 273).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a distinctive way", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the manner distinctive. Be specific to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "in a distinctive way" without providing specific details about what makes the way distinctive. The phrase loses its impact if the reader is left guessing about the unique characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a distinctive way" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe how something is done. It indicates that an action or characteristic is performed or exhibited uniquely. Ludwig shows this phrase modifying various actions across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a distinctive way" serves as an adverbial phrase to highlight the unique manner in which something is done. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English. It's commonly found in contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, demonstrating its broad applicability. Remember to provide specific details regarding the distinctive aspect to enhance clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "in a unique manner" or "in a particular fashion" to vary your writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a unique manner

Replaces 'way' with 'manner' and 'distinctive' with 'unique', emphasizing individuality.

in a particular fashion

Substitutes 'way' for 'fashion' and 'distinctive' for 'particular', focusing on a specific style.

in a special style

Uses 'style' instead of 'way', highlighting the manner in which something is done, with 'special' replacing 'distinctive'.

in a singular fashion

Swaps 'way' with 'fashion' and replaces 'distinctive' with 'singular', indicating something unique and uncommon.

in an individual manner

Emphasizes the individual aspect by using 'individual' instead of 'distinctive' and 'manner' in place of 'way'.

in a characteristic manner

Highlights that something is done in a way that is typical for a specific entity.

in a marked fashion

Suggests that something is done in a noticeable or evident way.

in a novel approach

Focuses on the new or original aspect of the way something is done, using 'novel' and 'approach'.

after its own fashion

Indicates something is done in its own specific style, highlighting originality.

in an unusual manner

Emphasizes the uncommon nature of the way something is done.

FAQs

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

Use "in a distinctive way" to describe actions or characteristics that are unique or easily identifiable. For instance, "The artist used colors "in a distinctive way" to create a vibrant and memorable painting."

What are some alternatives to "in a distinctive way"?

Alternatives include "in a unique manner", "in a particular fashion", or "in a special style". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in a distinctive way" or "distinctively"?

Both are correct, but "in a distinctive way" allows for more elaboration within the sentence. "Distinctively" is a single-word adverb, while "in a distinctive way" is a phrase that can be followed by further explanation or detail.

How does "in a distinctive way" differ from "in a different way"?

"In a different way" simply implies a contrast or alteration, while "in a distinctive way" suggests a noticeable and unique quality. If something is not only different but also easily recognizable and individual, "in a distinctive way" is more appropriate.