line of distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "line of distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a boundary or difference between two things, often in a context of comparison or classification. Example: "There is a clear line of distinction between professional and personal relationships in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

There is a bright line of distinction for me with closed-minded or open-minded people.

The New York Times

I pass that line of distinction, I slip entire into the innermost and outermost part of myself, erasing the division between these two putative regions.

The New Yorker

As the Middle Ages lead into the Renaissance, the influence of folk literature on the work of writers increases in importance, so that it is sometimes difficult to draw a sharp line of distinction between them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perhaps it would not be easy or practicable to draw a line of distinction, precise and accurate enough to govern all these classes of cases, because the cases run so nearly into each other; but we think the general distinction is obvious.

Harvard University

When Congress in § 3 and in § 9 provided for judicial review of two types of orders or awards and in § 2 of the same Act omitted any such provision as respects a third type, it drew a plain line of distinction.

Cornell University

A second line of distinction separates cases in which the economic motive is dominating from those in which the profit orientation is secondary or ruled out by the organizational form chosen by the community to reorganize energy supply (e.g., registered association).

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

To the Times man, "there are no neat lines of distinction".

The Guardian - Opinion

Jeter has always drawn clear lines of distinction between injured and hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

The task is difficult, and in certain respects the lines of distinction are arbitrary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But since Mr. Jobs returned to the company, Apple has been pretty disciplined about keeping the lines of distinction clear between products.

The New York Times

The lines of distinction between privileged access and members-only can be fluid.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "line of distinction" to emphasize a clear, definable difference between two concepts, items, or categories. Ensure that the context provides sufficient information to understand the nature of the distinction.

Common error

Avoid using "line of distinction" when the difference you're describing is vague or not easily defined. Overusing the phrase in ambiguous contexts can make your writing seem pretentious or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "line of distinction" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving to identify a boundary or difference between two or more entities, concepts, or categories. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "line of distinction" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a clear boundary or difference between entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While the phrase is valid, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that the difference is indeed well-defined. Alternatives like "boundary of difference" or "point of differentiation" may be more suitable depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in ambiguous situations to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boundary of difference

Replaces "line" with "boundary", emphasizing the border aspect of the distinction.

point of differentiation

Shifts focus to the specific attribute that sets things apart.

clear demarcation

Highlights the act of setting or marking a boundary distinctly.

division of distinction

Emphasizes the act of dividing based on a distinct characteristic.

separation of categories

Focuses on the act of categorizing things separately.

distinguishing characteristic

Highlights a particular trait that allows one to differentiate.

contrasting feature

Emphasizes the difference in features between two things.

defining attribute

Focuses on the attribute that is essential for differentiation.

discriminating factor

Highlights the factor that leads to differentiation or bias.

basis for segregation

Emphasizes the reason for separating things.

FAQs

How can I use "line of distinction" in a sentence?

You can use "line of distinction" to emphasize a clear difference between two things. For instance, "There is a clear line of distinction between being assertive and being aggressive."

What's the difference between "line of demarcation" and "line of distinction"?

"Line of demarcation" often refers to a physical or geographical boundary, while "line of distinction" is used more broadly to describe conceptual or abstract differences.

What can I say instead of "line of distinction"?

Alternatives include "boundary of difference", "point of differentiation", or "clear demarcation", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "line of distinction" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "line of distinction" can sound somewhat formal. In informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "difference" or "separation".