is distinctive of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is distinctive of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a characteristic that is specific to a particular person, place, or thing. For example, "The brightly colored buildings are distinctive of the city's architecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Is there a phenomenology that is distinctive of religious experience?

SEP

In the social act the future controls present conduct, and this is distinctive of consciousness.

Britannica

But when she's good, as here, she is distinctive of voice.

The New York Times

Rejecting Nestle's appeal, Judge Colin Birss said in the high court in London: "The evidence clearly supports a finding that purple is distinctive of Cadbury for milk chocolate".

The Guardian - Business

It is distinctive of Native Americans and populations in East Asia �� Korea, Japan and northern China – with an increasing incidence as you travel farther north.

University of California, Berkeley

As Charles Darwin observed in The Descent of Man, "it may be doubted whether any character can be named which is distinctive of a race and is constant".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The four posts are distinctive of Australian rules football.

Britannica

This double onset of sexual development seems to be distinctive of the genus Homo.

Britannica

Roja Mallorquina sheep display phenotypic features that are distinctive of certain breeds from North Africa and Asia such as a fat triangular tail and a red color.

Nature

Take whatever you think was distinctive of it, whatever combination of customs, ideas, and material things that made England characteristically English then.

The Guardian

These are distinctive of the three levels of monads, respectively, the bare monads, souls, and spirits.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is distinctive of" to highlight unique attributes that differentiate a subject from others. For example, "The intricate design is distinctive of this artist's style."

Common error

Avoid using "is distinctive of" for general attributes that are not unique. For example, instead of saying "Breathing is distinctive of living beings", which is broadly true, focus on specific, differentiating characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is distinctive of" functions as a predicate adjective, attributing a unique or characteristic quality to a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. Examples show it specifying defining traits in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is distinctive of" effectively highlights unique qualities that differentiate a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. Usage analysis reveals frequent application in science, news, and encyclopedia contexts. While alternatives like "is characteristic of" exist, "is distinctive of" specifically emphasizes unique, identifying traits. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for attributes that truly set something apart, and confirmed by Ludwig examples, as overuse can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is characteristic of

Focuses on typical traits or qualities.

is typical of

Highlights common or representative attributes.

is unique to

Emphasizes exclusivity and unparalleled qualities.

is peculiar to

Suggests an unusual or eccentric attribute.

is particular to

Indicates a specific or exclusive association.

is indicative of

Signifies that something serves as a sign or indication.

is representative of

Denotes that something serves as a typical example.

is symptomatic of

Implies that something is a symptom or sign of a condition.

is the hallmark of

Emphasizes something as a defining characteristic.

sets apart

Focuses on differentiation and uniqueness.

FAQs

How can I use "is distinctive of" in a sentence?

Use "is distinctive of" to emphasize a quality that uniquely identifies something. For example, "The melodic complexity "is distinctive of" Bach's compositions".

What phrases can I use instead of "is distinctive of"?

Alternatives include "is characteristic of", "is unique to", or "is peculiar to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is distinctive of" or "is distinct from"?

"Is distinctive of" highlights unique qualities, while "is distinct from" emphasizes differences. They have opposite meanings.

What's the difference between "is typical of" and "is distinctive of"?

"Is typical of" describes common traits, while "is distinctive of" points out unique, identifying features. The first focuses on commonality, and the second on uniqueness.