is not distinct from

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not distinct from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe two things that are very similar or closely related. Example: The scent of pine is not distinct from the smell of cedar, making it difficult to tell them apart.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Using a small telescope, Galileo proved that the Earth is not distinct from the universe, but part of it.

Harvard University

Shakespeare's music, on the other hand, is not distinct from his narratives or from the actors' behavior; we need to both see and hear his characters' intentions.

The New Yorker

The kerogen found in oil shale is not distinct from the kerogen of petroleum source rocks that is, the material from which petroleum was generated under conditions of heat and pressure over long periods of geologic time.

Britannica

They realize that since no individual has a "self," there can be no real difference between themselves and others, and therefore their own liberation is not distinct from the liberation of all beings.

Britannica

Another parallel computational improvement, for case of ultra high resolution of 0.1 degree for horizontal, employed by only communication with MPI library, which is not distinct from inside or outside of node.

Parallel Computational Fluid Dynamics 2002 New Frontiers and Multi-disciplinary Applications

However, this idealized population of offsets is significantly different than the ss-sl offset observed in the core-top and downcore δ18O data (p<0.001), the latter of which is not distinct from zero (p<0.05; Fig. 5). Figure 5: Data-Model Comparison of Simulated Offsets with Uncertainty Constraints.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The middle and inner layers of the fruit wall often are not distinct from each other.

Britannica

Whatever airs we might give ourselves, "we" were not distinct from "it": we were part of it, and could live only inside it.

The Guardian - Books

Literal, collectively enacted and virulent, the violence of the redemption was not distinct from its politics but rather the product of complex relations among actors aiming to redefine the political community.

The Guardian - Opinion

Formally speaking, in terms of style and prosody, zàn are not distinct from sòng 頌 [eulogies], míng 銘 [inscriptions], lěi 誄 [dirges], and various other tetra-syllabic rhymed compositions on serious subjects, despite being classified traditionally into separate genres.

Columbia University

Climatic processes are not distinct from society and culture.

Geoscience Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies the two items being compared to avoid ambiguity. Provide specific examples or details to support your claim that they are not distinct.

Common error

Avoid using "is not distinct from" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "is similar to" or "is the same as" are generally more appropriate and natural in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not distinct from" functions as a relational expression, indicating a lack of clear differentiation between two subjects. Ludwig examples show its usage in academic and scientific contexts. This phrase is used to express equivalence or close similarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not distinct from" is used to express a lack of clear difference or separation between two things. While grammatically correct and understood, it's most appropriate for formal writing, particularly in scientific or academic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and conveys similarity or equivalence. When writing, consider the audience and context to determine if a simpler phrase like "is similar to" might be more effective. Overuse of this phrase in informal settings may sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is essentially the same as

Emphasizes the fundamental equivalence between two things, suggesting minimal difference in their core nature.

is virtually identical to

Highlights a near-perfect match, implying that any differences are negligible or insignificant.

is hardly different from

Indicates a slight difference, but overall similarity.

is closely related to

Stresses the interconnectedness and shared characteristics, suggesting a strong link or association.

is more or less equivalent to

Suggests a general correspondence, allowing for some minor discrepancies or variations.

is not clearly demarcated from

Focuses on the lack of a distinct boundary or separation, highlighting the overlap or blending of two things.

blurs the line between

Emphasizes that there is a lack of distinction.

is tantamount to

Indicates a high degree of equivalence, often used in formal or legal contexts.

overlaps with

Implies that the two items in question share features and content.

is indistinct from

Indicates a lack of clear differentiation. It's a more concise alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "is not distinct from" in a sentence?

Use "is not distinct from" to indicate that two things are very similar or closely related. For example, "In this context, the theoretical model "is not distinct from" the practical application".

What phrases can I use instead of "is not distinct from"?

Alternatives include "is essentially the same as", "is virtually identical to", or "is closely related to", depending on the degree of similarity you want to convey.

Is "is not distinct from" formal or informal?

"Is not distinct from" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for academic, technical, or professional writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives.

How does "is not distinct from" differ from "is different from"?

"Is not distinct from" implies a strong similarity or near identity, while "is different from" indicates a clear dissimilarity or separation. The former emphasizes the lack of a meaningful distinction, whereas the latter highlights the presence of notable differences.