it's distinctive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's distinctive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unique or stands out in a particular way. Example: "The design of the building is so innovative that it's distinctive among all the structures in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Even the most hardened naysayers won't be able to bite back the emotion when they see the Olympic flag raised above London, with its distinctive five rings, its distinctive Lloyds TSB emblem, It's distinctive EDF energy icon, it's distinctive Golden Arches™, its distinctive Gatorade croc and its magnificent Nike Swoosh™.

Vice

"Many people would say the BBC needs to look carefully at its programming to make sure that it's distinctive and isn't simply reproducing what's available elsewhere".

The Guardian

It is partly based on the 1960s cult Django westerns starring Franco Nero (who returns in cameo here) and partly on the notorious 1975 exploitation picture Mandingo, but it's distinctive on its own fantastically outrageous terms: an audacious and horribly funny comic-book nightmare.

The Guardian - Film

It's distinctive, recognizable.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's distinctive".

The New York Times

The sound is nothing spectacular, but it's distinctive".

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Although a suite of traits suggest that Holochilus is its closest relative, it is distinctive in many ways and is therefore classified in a separate genus, Noronhomys.

Wikipedia

It was distinctive for its conservatism, for its 1968 fidelity to price theory, for its interest in empirical studies, but not so much in formal modeling.

The New Yorker

It is distinctive, reflecting the individual's knowledge, and is structured and open to discussion.

Smart Learning Environments

Being in New York, it was by far the most visible, and it was distinctive in its mix of academics and nonacademics.

The New York Times - Arts

It is distinctive for its relative large amount of triply unsaturated α-linolenic acid (ca. 50%).

Heritage Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's distinctive" when you want to emphasize that something has easily recognizable or unique characteristics. It helps set apart the subject from similar items.

Common error

Avoid using "its" (possessive form) when you mean "it's" (contraction of "it is"). For example, "It's distinctive" (correct) versus "Its distinctive" (incorrect).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's distinctive" primarily functions as a descriptive expression. According to Ludwig, it describes something that has unique and easily recognizable characteristics. This aligns with the examples provided where the phrase is used to highlight unique attributes of various subjects, such as a building's architecture or a person's laugh.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's distinctive" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for highlighting the unique qualities of something. Ludwig's analysis, confirmed by Ludwig AI, indicates that this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific writing. The phrase primarily functions as a descriptive element, emphasizing recognizability and uniqueness. When writing, remember to use the correct contraction, "it's," and consider alternative phrases like "it is unique" or "it stands out" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unique

Emphasizes unparalleled character, highlighting that something exists as the only one of its kind.

it is remarkable

Highlights an attribute worthy of attention, implying outstanding or noticeable quality.

it is characteristic

Focuses on being a typical or prominent feature, highlighting representation.

it is recognizable

Highlights the ease with which something can be identified or remembered.

it stands out

Focuses on the attribute of being noticeable or prominent relative to the surroundings.

it is singular

Highlights individuality and being uncommon, suggesting something is one of a kind.

it is unparalleled

Emphasizes superiority and absence of comparison, focusing on unmatched excellence.

it sets itself apart

Highlights the element of differentiation, focusing on the capacity of something to distinguish itself from others.

it is identifiable

Similar to "recognizable", but emphasizes the objective ability to identify something based on certain features.

it is signature

Highlights that something is a defining feature, especially associated with a particular entity or person.

FAQs

How can I use "it's distinctive" in a sentence?

Use "it's distinctive" to describe something that stands out from others due to its unique qualities. For instance, "The building's architecture is so unique, "it's distinctive" from all others in the city".

What are some alternatives to saying "it's distinctive"?

You can use alternatives like "it is unique", "it stands out", or "it is recognizable" depending on the specific context.

When should I use "it's distinctive" instead of "it's different"?

"It's distinctive" implies that something has unique, recognizable qualities, whereas "it's different" simply means that something is not the same as others. Distinctive carries a stronger connotation of uniqueness.

Is "it's distinctive" formal or informal?

"It's distinctive" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall style of writing.