make a distinction between

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a distinction between" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to compare two things and show how they are different from one another. For example, "We need to make a distinction between apples and oranges; they have different nutritional values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

He would make a distinction between good and bad fundamentalisms".

The New York Times - Arts

Make a distinction between productive and unproductive worry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I would make a distinction between the two.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Nor does the article make a distinction between smuggling and trafficking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Anderson said it is "old-fashioned" to make a distinction between experience in different media.

The Guardian

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

We make a distinction between good drugs and bad drugs.

Forbes

We make a distinction between sites, paths and techniques of object formation.

Geoforum

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a distinction between" to emphasize the importance of understanding the differences, especially when those differences have significant implications.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex language or jargon when trying to "make a distinction between" two concepts; clarity is key. Prefer simpler wording for improved understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a distinction between" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of differentiating or separating two or more entities or concepts. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a distinction between" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to highlight differences between concepts or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. The phrase is frequently used in both scientific and news contexts, emphasizing the need for clear understanding and differentiation. Alternative phrases, such as "draw a distinction between" or "differentiate between", offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the items being compared to avoid ambiguity. The expert rating indicates the phrase's reliability and correctness, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw a distinction between

This alternative is more concise and commonly used to highlight differences.

make a differentiation between

A more formal and emphatic way of saying make a distinction.

differentiate between

This alternative emphasizes identifying differences, often in a more technical context.

distinguish between

This alternative is a more direct and simpler way of expressing the need to see differences.

discriminate between

This alternative implies a more careful or critical assessment of differences.

recognize a difference between

This alternative highlights the act of acknowledging the existing differences.

contrast with

This alternative directly focuses on showing the differences when comparing two things.

tell apart

This alternative suggests an ability to perceive clear differences.

separate out

This alternative highlights the act of isolating different elements.

identify disparities

This alternative focuses on pointing out clear inequalities or variations.

FAQs

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

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

What phrases are similar to "make a distinction between"?

Similar phrases include "draw a distinction between", "differentiate between", and "distinguish between".

Is it always necessary to "make a distinction between" similar concepts?

No, but it's useful when the differences impact understanding or decision-making. If the concepts are practically interchangeable, the distinction might be unnecessary.

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

"Make a distinction between" focuses on highlighting differences, while "make a comparison between" involves examining both similarities and differences. The former aims to separate, the latter to understand relationships.