key distinction between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key distinction between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to highlight an important difference between two or more concepts, ideas, or items. Example: "The key distinction between renewable and non-renewable energy sources lies in their sustainability and availability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

This view, however, skips over a key distinction between Brady and discovery.

The Washington Post

Start with a key distinction between today and the Cold War.

The Washington Post

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

The Guardian - Sport

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

A key distinction between older and younger individuals with persistent pain is the normal and pathological ageing-associated brain changes.

British Journal of Anaesthesia

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 between day dresses and evening dresses is not the degree of luxury, but a difference in style: a high collar versus a low-cut bodice.

The New York Times

A key distinction between this population (n = 784) and other datasets is that patients ≥75 years were removed (Supplementary Figure 3).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "key distinction between" to introduce a pivotal point that influences understanding or decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "key distinction between" for trivial differences; reserve it for significant and impactful contrasts to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key distinction between" primarily functions as a connector or transition phrase. It introduces a comparison by highlighting a notable difference between two or more entities, ideas, or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "key distinction between" is a versatile and frequently used expression for highlighting significant differences. As Ludwig AI notes, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the items being compared and reserve it for impactful contrasts. Alternatives like "main difference between" or "significant difference between" can provide nuanced variations. The phrase serves as a valuable tool for effective communication by drawing attention to pivotal distinctions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main difference between

Replaces "key" with "main", emphasizing the primary point of divergence.

primary contrast between

Substitutes "distinction" with "contrast" to highlight the differences more directly.

significant difference between

Replaces "key distinction" with "significant difference" to highlight how important the difference is.

crucial difference between

Uses "crucial" to stress the essential nature of the difference.

essential difference between

Similar to 'crucial difference', emphasizing the necessity of the difference.

fundamental difference between

Highlights that the difference is basic and foundational.

major difference between

Indicates the difference is substantial in scope or impact.

central contrast between

Focuses on the 'central' aspect of the contrast, making it a focal point.

principal difference between

Stresses that the difference is of foremost importance or rank.

noticeable difference between

Highlights that the contrast is easily observed or recognized.

FAQs

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

The phrase "key distinction between" is used to highlight a significant difference between two or more things. For example, "The key distinction between renewable and non-renewable energy sources lies in their sustainability."

What can I say instead of "key distinction between"?

You can use alternatives like "main difference between", "significant difference between", or "primary contrast between depending on the specific context.

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

While both phrases highlight a difference, "key distinction between" suggests the difference is fundamental or essential for understanding the topic. "Important difference between" simply emphasizes that the difference matters but might not be as critical.

Is it correct to say "a key distinction of" instead of "key distinction between"?

No, "key distinction of" is not the correct usage. The phrase "key distinction" is always followed by "between" when comparing two or more items. You might use "key characteristic of" or "key feature of" instead if you are not making a direct comparison.