is not distinctive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not distinctive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks uniqueness or individuality. Example: "The design of the product is not distinctive, making it hard to stand out in a crowded market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The high rate of re-election for state legislators is not distinctive to New York.

The New York Times

Whittingdale keeps opening new fronts, recently complaining the BBC is not "distinctive" enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

From the outside, this newly converted stone barn is not distinctive.

The Guardian - Travel

The house itself is not distinctive except for a stone fireplace made from rocks culled from creeks on the property.

The New York Times

"How do you regulate something that is not distinctive architecture?" asked Kent Barwick, president of the Municipal Art Society and a former chairman of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

The New York Times

Lindberg's voice is not distinctive, and her lyrics are either indecipherable or wearyingly vague; in fact, there is really nothing arresting about her presence here.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Now if that isn't distinctive, H&R doesn't know what is.

Independent

As for his view that too much public service output isn't distinctive – he's wrong again.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Thom isn't distinctive - she's a middling pop-folk type who doesn't have Spears's top-flight writers and producers at her disposal.

The Guardian - Music

"I read Charlotte Moore's comments at the beginning of the week, she said 'What do you mean the BBC isn't distinctive?

The Guardian

The BBC wants to cut something that isn't distinctive, that the market would provide anyway and that costs more than 6 Music.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not distinctive", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is failing to stand out from. Providing a comparison point strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is not distinctive" when expressing personal opinions about art or style without providing objective criteria. Subjective claims require more nuanced language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not distinctive" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject by indicating a lack of unique or easily identifiable characteristics. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe architecture, voices, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not distinctive" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a lack of unique or remarkable qualities. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent appearance across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. While versatile, it's important to provide clear context and avoid overuse in subjective arguments. Alternatives such as "is not unique" or "is unremarkable" can add nuance depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks distinction

Replaces "is not" with "lacks" and uses the noun form of "distinctive".

is unremarkable

Uses a single adjective to convey the lack of special qualities.

is not unique

Emphasizes the absence of being the only one of its kind.

is commonplace

Indicates that something is ordinary and frequently encountered.

is unexceptional

Highlights that something does not stand out from the norm.

is run-of-the-mill

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate ordinariness.

is nothing special

Emphasizes the lack of any outstanding characteristics.

is fairly typical

Indicates that something is in line with what is usually expected.

is quite ordinary

Uses "ordinary" to describe something as not being special.

does not stand out

Focuses on the lack of prominence or noticeable qualities.

FAQs

What does "is not distinctive" mean?

The phrase "is not distinctive" means that something lacks unique or easily recognizable characteristics. It blends in and doesn't stand out from others of its kind.

How can I use "is not distinctive" in a sentence?

You can use "is not distinctive" to describe anything that lacks unique qualities. For example, "The architecture of the building "is not distinctive", blending in with the other structures on the street."

What are some alternatives to "is not distinctive"?

Alternatives to "is not distinctive" include "is not unique", "is unremarkable", or "lacks distinction". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is not distinctive" or "isn't distinctive"?

Both "is not distinctive" and "isn't distinctive" are grammatically correct. "Isn't distinctive" is a contraction and is more informal, while "is not distinctive" is more formal. Choose the version that suits the overall tone of your writing.