it was distinguished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was distinguished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been recognized for its excellence or notable qualities in a specific context. Example: "The award was given to the scientist because it was distinguished for its groundbreaking research in renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Boneless, preshaped, and of a luminous pink, it was distinguished by its ability to keep its fluorescent hue no matter how long you cooked it.

The New Yorker

It was distinguished by its dark intensity surrounded by bright CSF, central location, and anterior placement to the cerebellum and fourth ventricle.

Plosone

It was distinguished by its relatively good activity on Candida krusei and its weak action against Aspergillus niger.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

It was distinguished from other zebras by its limited pattern of primarily brown and white stripes, mainly on the front part of the body.

Wikipedia

Among the first of a host of philosophical examinations of the general theory of relativity, it was distinguished both by the comprehensibility of its largely non-technical physical exposition and by Einstein's enthusiastic praise of its philosophical appraisal, favoring Poincaré's conventionalism over both neo-Kantianism and Machian positivism.

SEP

As an economic category it was distinguished in Marxian literature from the poor, the working classes, and the Lumpenproletariat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Each zone is considered as unique and it is distinguished by its geometric shape.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

It is distinguished by its overall larger size, longer tail and wings, and larger bill and claws.

Wikipedia

It is distinguished principally by its modernity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is distinguished from C. sculpta by its tough, thicker peridial wall, and its scales are tipped with gray-brown.

Wikipedia

It is distinguished from other japanned tinware by its distinctive lustre and unique durability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was distinguished" to highlight unique aspects or superior qualities when comparing something to others in its category.

Common error

Avoid using "it was distinguished" when an active voice would be more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "It was distinguished by its bright color", consider "Its bright color distinguished it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was distinguished" functions as a passive construction, typically used to highlight the unique qualities or characteristics that differentiate a subject from others. As Ludwig AI shows, this passive voice is frequently used in academic and formal writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

Encyclopedias

22%

News & Media

22%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was distinguished" is a common passive construction used to emphasize the unique or notable qualities of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal writing, particularly in scientific, encyclopedic, and news contexts. When using "it was distinguished", ensure the context clearly defines the subject and the characteristics that set it apart. Alternatives like "it stood out" or "it was recognized" can offer slight variations in meaning. While grammatically sound, be mindful of overuse and consider whether an active voice might be more engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it stood out

Replaces 'distinguished' with 'stood out' emphasizing prominence.

it was noted

Substitutes 'distinguished' with 'noted', focusing on acknowledgment.

it was recognized

Replaces 'distinguished' with 'recognized', highlighting acknowledgment of specific qualities.

it was characterized

Changes to 'characterized', focusing on defining features.

it was known

Emphasizes widespread awareness instead of unique distinction.

it was remarkable

Shifts focus to the quality of being noteworthy or exceptional.

it was unique

Highlights singular nature rather than comparative distinction.

it was marked

Focuses on being noticeably different or prominent.

it differed

Replaces the passive construction with an active verb to express a difference.

it set itself apart

Emphasizes a deliberate action of differentiation.

FAQs

How can I use "it was distinguished" in a sentence?

Use "it was distinguished" to emphasize the unique or exceptional qualities of something, setting it apart from others. For example, "The research paper "it was distinguished" by its innovative methodology".

What are some alternatives to "it was distinguished"?

You can use alternatives like "it stood out", "it was noted", or "it was recognized" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was distinguished by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was distinguished by" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate the specific characteristics or features that set something apart.

What's the difference between "it was distinguished" and "it is distinguished"?

"It was distinguished" refers to something that was recognized or set apart in the past, while "it is distinguished" refers to something currently recognized or set apart. For example, "The car "it was distinguished" for its speed in the 1960s", versus "The car "it is distinguished" for its fuel efficiency today".