make a distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a distinction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate a difference between two things, or to point out that one thing is not the same as another. For example, "The student was able to make a distinction between the two types of plants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I do make a distinction".

The New York Times - Sports

I didn't always make a distinction.

The Washington Post

We have to make a distinction.

The Washington Post

We make a distinction between integrated assessment and SA.

Ecological Economics

We will make a distinction between critical and important conditions.

Journal of Transport Geography

"It's really important to make a distinction between the two.

The Guardian

It's important to make a distinction between individuals and populations.

The New Yorker

Children are often not taught to make a distinction.

The Economist

I would make a distinction between the two.

The New York Times

"But the technology is sensitive enough to make a distinction".

The New York Times - Tech

"I do make a distinction," Mr. Thomas said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a distinction", ensure that the basis for the differentiation is clear and relevant to your argument or explanation. Providing context for why the distinction matters enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "make a distinction" without clearly defining what the difference is. Vague or unsupported distinctions can weaken your writing and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a distinction" functions as a verbal phrase. It's a common expression used to indicate the act of differentiating or separating one thing from another based on specific criteria. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a distinction" is a versatile phrase used to highlight differences and clarify understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic writing, as well as more formal or business contexts. While simple, the phrase is impactful when setting apart concepts or items and ensuring clarity in communication. When you use it, ensure you provide clear reasons for the distinction so you are making meaningful statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw a distinction

Uses "draw" suggesting outlining or highlighting a difference.

differentiate

A single verb emphasizing the act of recognizing differences.

distinguish

Similar to "differentiate" but can also imply esteeming one thing over another.

make a differentiation

More formal and emphasizes the act of creating a difference.

make a separation

Very similar to "make a distinction" but emphasizes the act of separating.

discriminate

Can imply a more critical or judgmental separation.

separate

Highlights the act of dividing or keeping things distinct.

set apart

Focuses on the act of making something unique or distinct.

mark off

Suggests a clear and defined separation.

draw a line

Emphasizes setting a boundary or limit.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a distinction" to highlight differences between two or more items. For example, "It's important to "make a distinction" between fact and opinion".

What can I say instead of "make a distinction"?

You can use alternatives like "draw a distinction", "differentiate", or "distinguish" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "make a distinction" and "draw a distinction"?

While both phrases are similar, "draw a distinction" often implies a more deliberate and careful act of differentiation, whereas ""make a distinction"" is a more general expression.

Is it always necessary to "make a distinction"?

No, not always. You should only ""make a distinction"" when there is a genuine need to clarify differences or avoid confusion. Overusing it can make your writing cumbersome.