most important distinctions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most important distinctions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing key differences or variations that hold significant relevance in a particular context. Example: "In the study of philosophy, one of the most important distinctions is between ethics and aesthetics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

One of its most important distinctions was the highly efficient use of natural resources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the competition confined to the Republicans for the last two decades, the most important distinctions are being made in that party's primaries.

The New York Times

The three most important distinctions are the following.

SEP

One of the most important distinctions centers upon the difference between operational and denotational semantics (Turner 2007; White 2003).

SEP

The distinction between implicit versus explicit processes (or "intuitive" versus "reflective" thinking) is arguably one of the most important distinctions in cognitive science.

Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition

For our purposes, the most important distinctions are (a) between habitual grace (especially the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity) and actual grace; (b) between external actual grace (e.g., hearing a good sermon) and internal actual grace (grace consisting in internal, mental acts); and (c) between internal actual grace of the intellect and internal actual grace of the will.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The most important distinction is between open and closed wounds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here lies the final, but maybe most important distinction between Pinker and Faludi.

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps the most important distinction is whether the apartments are rent-controlled, which provides tenants greater protections, or rent-stabilized.

The New York Times

But the most important distinction between OfA and Healthcare.gov isn't about how each project dealt with technology.

The Guardian - Opinion

Additionally, few organic farmers or knowledgeable consumers would cite nutritional value as organic's most important distinction from conventional growing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most important distinctions", ensure you clearly articulate why these distinctions are significant and how they impact the overall understanding of the topic.

Common error

Avoid listing distinctions without explaining their relevance. Always clarify why these differences matter within the specific context you're discussing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most important distinctions" functions as a noun phrase, highlighting the key differences or variations in a particular context. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "most important distinctions" is a grammatically sound and usable expression for highlighting key differences. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly articulate the significance of these distinctions within the particular context. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "key defining characteristics" or "fundamental distinctions" to achieve similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental distinctions

Replaces "most important" with "fundamental", suggesting a base level of difference.

key differentiators

Focuses on the elements that differentiate one thing from another.

primary differences

Replaces "distinctions" with "differences" and "most important" with "primary" for a slightly simpler tone.

principal points of difference

Similar to "primary differences" but slightly more formal.

crucial differentiating factors

Substitutes "distinctions" with "differentiating factors" and emphasizes the critical nature of these factors.

significant variations

Focuses on the variations that are noteworthy, rather than the act of distinguishing.

key defining characteristics

Changes the focus to the characteristics that define something rather than the act of distinguishing.

notable contrasts

Highlights the contrasts that are worthy of attention.

essential points of divergence

Uses more formal language, replacing "important distinctions" with "essential points of divergence".

major discriminating elements

Emphasizes the elements that separate or discriminate between things.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "most important distinctions" in a sentence?

Start by introducing the items being compared, then use "most important distinctions" to highlight the critical differences between them, providing context for their significance.

What are some alternatives to using "most important distinctions"?

You can use alternatives like "key defining characteristics", "primary differences", or "fundamental distinctions" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "the most important distinction" or "one of the most important distinctions"?

Both are correct, but they imply different things. "The most important distinction" suggests there is one single, overriding difference. "One of the most important distinctions" implies there are several significant differences.

What's the difference between "important distinctions" and "most important distinctions"?

"Important distinctions" highlights differences that are noteworthy, while "most important distinctions" emphasizes that these particular differences are the most critical or significant among all possible distinctions.