make the distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

'make the distinction' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the need to draw a clear distinction between two things or ideas. For example, "When discussing the differences between the two types of treatment, it's important to make the distinction between their effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Lilev doesn't make the distinction.

The New York Times

(Not all Palestinians make the distinction).

The New Yorker

"They make the distinction," he said.

The New York Times

"We failed to make the distinction.

The Guardian

"If you make the distinction between celebrities and stars, yes.

Independent

And he is right to make the distinction.

Independent

But he distrusted his ability to make the distinction clear.

The New Yorker

The fullness of time will not make the distinction.

The Guardian - Sport

One must make the distinction between religion and church.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now you might not have to make the distinction.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I know, but they don't make the distinction".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make the distinction", ensure that the two concepts being differentiated are clearly defined. Provide specific criteria or examples to highlight the differences.

Common error

Avoid using "make the distinction" when the differences are already obvious. This phrase is most effective when clarifying subtle or easily confused concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make the distinction" functions as a verbal phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to highlight the need to differentiate or draw a clear distinction between two or more entities or concepts. The examples show it used across different fields, always aiming for clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make the distinction" is a versatile phrase used to clarify differences between concepts or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Predominantly used in news, media, and scientific domains, it serves the purpose of enhancing understanding by explicitly drawing boundaries. Related phrases such as "differentiate between" and "distinguish between" can provide alternatives, ensuring your writing is precise and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differentiate between

Focuses on the act of identifying differences.

distinguish between

Emphasizes recognizing clear differences.

draw a line between

Implies a clear separation or boundary.

discriminate between

Highlights the ability to perceive subtle differences, sometimes carrying a negative connotation in other contexts.

tell the difference

Focuses on the ability to perceive a difference.

separate the wheat from the chaff

Figurative language for separating something valuable from something worthless

split hairs

Implies making excessively fine distinctions that are often unimportant.

determine the variance

Focuses on measuring statistical differences.

pinpoint the disparity

Highlights the identification of inequality or lack of similarity.

resolve the dichotomy

Focuses on solving a contradiction or division into two mutually exclusive categories.

FAQs

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

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

What's a formal way to say "make the distinction"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "differentiate between" or "distinguish between".

Which is correct: "make a distinction" or "make the distinction"?

"Make the distinction" is generally preferred when referring to a specific, already established distinction. "Make a distinction" might be used when introducing a new distinction.

What is the difference between "distinguish between" and ""make the distinction""?

"Distinguish between" emphasizes the act of perceiving or recognizing differences, while "make the distinction" highlights the act of creating or emphasizing a difference for clarity.