key distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when highlighting an important difference between two or more concepts, ideas, or items. Example: "The key distinction between the two theories lies in their approach to problem-solving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is a key distinction.

The Guardian - Tech

And maybe that's a key distinction.

The Guardian

How advertising is handled has always been a key distinction between low and high order publishing.

The Guardian - Opinion

That comparison highlights a key distinction between white and nonwhite Democrats.

The New Yorker

The second key distinction is that the Tigers have Miguel Cabrera.

The New York Times

This is a key distinction between our own professional league and others that are under governing body control.

The Guardian - Sport

The key distinction is this: in Syria, Clinton favors a focus on toppling Bashar al-Assad while simultaneously combating Isis.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a key distinction between Larry David's comedy of awkwardness and its closest predecessor, Woody Allen's comedy of anxiety.

The New Yorker

The key distinction between equity capital and debt is that debt cannot lose its value if the bank makes losses.

The Economist

The tax quandary highlights a key distinction between Russia's industry and Saudi Arabia's, which Russia displaced as the world's largest.

The New York Times

The key distinction is that, unlike those subscription services, YouTube claims it is able to take advantage of so-called "safe harbours" to negotiate licences.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "key distinction" when you want to emphasize the importance of a specific difference between two or more things. It signals that understanding this difference is crucial for comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "key distinction" too frequently in a single text. Overuse can dilute its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "crucial difference" or "significant difference" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key distinction" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant difference or point of divergence between two or more entities, concepts, or ideas. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, showing how it's used to clarify understanding by focusing on essential differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key distinction" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to highlight a significant difference between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, its purpose is to clarify understanding by emphasizing crucial aspects. It is frequently found in news, science, and formal business contexts, exhibiting a neutral to formal register. While the phrase is valuable for emphasizing important differences, avoid overuse by employing synonyms like "crucial difference" or "significant difference". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "key distinction" to improve your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crucial difference

Focuses on the importance of the difference.

critical difference

Stresses the importance of the difference for a particular outcome.

significant difference

Emphasizes the notability of the difference.

essential difference

Highlights the fundamental nature of the difference.

fundamental difference

Highlights the foundational aspect of the difference.

vital difference

Indicates the life-or-death importance of the difference.

primary difference

Points out the main difference.

important distinction

Highlights the value of the distinction.

major difference

Emphasizes the scale of the difference.

notable difference

Focuses on the distinctness and observability of the difference.

FAQs

How can I use "key distinction" in a sentence?

Use "key distinction" to highlight a notable difference between two things, for example: "The "key distinction" between these methods is their efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "key distinction"?

You can use alternatives like "crucial difference", "significant difference", or "important distinction" to emphasize a notable difference.

Is it better to say "key distinction" or "important distinction"?

Both "key distinction" and "important distinction" are correct. "Key distinction" emphasizes the criticality of the difference, while "important distinction" highlights its general relevance.

What's the difference between "key distinction" and "subtle difference"?

"Key distinction" highlights a significant and easily noticeable difference. In contrast, "subtle difference" refers to a difference that is not immediately obvious and requires closer examination.