not distinctly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not distinctly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unclear or not easily perceived. Example: "The instructions were not distinctly outlined, leading to confusion among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But contagious yawning is not distinctly human.

The New York Times

Dr. Chandon said the phenomenon is not distinctly American.

The New York Times

And if corruption is French, it is not distinctly so.

The New Yorker

But it's quite strange and not distinctly recognizable as you.

The New York Times

It means, most damningly, that black people are not distinctly bound to each other.

The New Yorker

Clubs not distinctly private can be forced to admit groups they had excluded.

The New York Times

Fairness, respect for the rule of law, and the rest of it, Brown's critics say, are not distinctly British.

The Guardian - Opinion

And while the taste is not distinctly beef, biting into one does impart the lingering flavoring of processed cheese.

The New York Times

It claims that the wolverine populations of the two countries are contiguous and not distinctly separate, a claim conservationists dispute.

The New York Times

It has been locked for decades in a domestic, political struggle that is not distinctly aimed at the United States, though it has attacked Americans and American business interests in Colombia.

The New York Times

Subhymenium not distinctly differentiated from subiculum.

Botanical Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not distinctly", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking a distinct quality. Be specific about what the phrase is modifying to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not distinctly" in overly complex sentences where it can further obscure the meaning. Simplify the sentence structure for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not distinctly" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically qualifying verbs or adjectives to indicate a lack of clear or obvious distinction. It adds nuance by suggesting a subtle or borderline quality rather than a complete absence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not distinctly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that expresses a lack of clear distinction or separation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples across various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news media sources, it conveys a sense of ambiguity or subtlety. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and that you are specifying what lacks a distinct quality. Alternatives like ""not clearly"" or ""not obviously"" can be used depending on the desired nuance. While versatile, it's important to avoid using "not distinctly" in overly complicated sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not clearly

Emphasizes the lack of clarity or obviousness.

not obviously

Highlights the absence of an easily noticeable quality.

not evidently

Focuses on the lack of apparent evidence.

not markedly

Stresses the absence of a significant or noticeable difference.

not particularly

Suggests a lack of specific or exceptional quality.

not especially

Similar to 'not particularly', indicating a lack of emphasis.

not plainly

Indicates a lack of straightforwardness or simplicity.

not discernibly

Emphasizes the inability to perceive a difference.

not recognizably

Highlights the lack of identifiable characteristics.

not perceptibly

Focuses on the lack of noticeable or appreciable difference.

FAQs

How can I use "not distinctly" in a sentence?

You can use "not distinctly" to describe something that lacks a clear or easily perceivable quality. For example: "The layer boundaries are "not distinctly separated"".

What are some alternatives to "not distinctly"?

Alternatives include "not clearly", "not obviously", or "not particularly", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "not distinctly" or "not distinctly different"?

The choice depends on the context. "Not distinctly" implies a general lack of clarity, while "not distinctly different" specifically indicates a lack of differentiation between two or more things.

What's the difference between "not distinctly" and "indistinctly"?

"Not distinctly" is a two-word phrase that emphasizes the lack of distinctness. "Indistinctly" is a single-word adverb that describes something done in an unclear or blurred manner. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and sentence structure.