problematic distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problematic distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a differentiation that may lead to confusion, misunderstanding, or issues in interpretation. Example: "The author highlights a problematic distinction between personal beliefs and societal norms that complicates the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Indeed, craft objects themselves such as quilts are now occasionally the subject of exhibits in fine-art museums, another recognition that the problematic distinction between fine art and craft dissolves with changing cultural assessments.

SEP

There is also a problematic distinction between the so-called "philosophical" Daoism (Dao jia 道家) of the Daode jing, Zhuangzi, and Huainanzi and the so-called "religious" Daoism (Dao jiao 道教) of longevity practices, popular religion, and organized Daoist churches.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Because it is not foundationalist in these ways, reflective equilibrium also avoids some other problematic distinctions or claims that are part of an effort to show how some beliefs can be directly justified or warranted.

SEP

A contextual factors framework is suited to understanding acupuncture as a complex intervention not least because it does not require us to make a problematic reductionist distinction between specific and non-specific effects [ 8- 11].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

What remains problematic is the distinction of simple and composite creatures in terms of quiddity.

SEP

Some philosophers find this distinction problematic and have developed other solutions that don't require this distinction.

SEP

On the surface this seems reasonable, or at least plausible, but a hard look at the question of litigation-generated science makes some of the easy distinctions problematic.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Setting aside the problems just identified, Leibowitz's distinction remains problematic in the context of his overall system.

SEP

But this distinction is problematic: saying what parts of our speech are fictional and which are literal is, Yablo argues, at least as problematic as saying which sentences are synthetic and which are analytic.

SEP

This case also creates problems for the idea that killing is worse than letting die, since the fact that Hans was waiting in the wings in no way diminishes Franz's wrongdoing in this case.[10] So, this way of drawing the distinction is problematic, and this argument for the moral significance of the distinction is flawed.

SEP

However, such a distinction was problematic, both theoretically and in practice, particularly given that medical research regulation was law-based while regulation of other research was voluntary.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "problematic distinction", ensure that you clearly articulate why the distinction is problematic. Providing specific reasons and examples will strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "problematic distinction" when a simpler term like "difference" or "variation" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problematic distinction" functions as a noun phrase, where "problematic" is an adjective modifying the noun "distinction". Ludwig AI examples show it's used to identify and emphasize a differentiation that creates difficulties or issues in understanding or interpretation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "problematic distinction" is used to describe a differentiation that causes issues or confusion. According to Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness, it appears primarily in scientific, encyclopedia and news contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly articulate why the distinction is problematic. Alternatives such as "dubious distinction" or "questionable differentiation" may be used depending on the specific context. While grammatically sound, overusing "problematic distinction" can diminish its impact; it is best reserved for situations where a clear and significant issue arises from the distinction itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dubious distinction

Highlights the uncertainty or doubtfulness of the differentiation itself.

Questionable differentiation

Focuses on the dubiousness or uncertainty associated with the act of differentiating.

Unclear distinction

Focuses on the lack of clarity in the differentiation.

Ambiguous distinction

Highlights the ambiguity or lack of clear meaning in the differentiation.

Difficult separation

Emphasizes the trouble involved in separating or distinguishing between things.

Vague differentiation

Emphasizes the lack of precision in how something is differentiated.

Challenging to differentiate

Shifts focus to the difficulty in performing the differentiation.

Hard to distinguish

Highlights the difficulty in perceiving a difference between things.

Controversial demarcation

Emphasizes the controversial nature of setting a boundary or distinction.

Complicated differentiation

Emphasizes the complex nature of making the distinction.

FAQs

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

You can use "problematic distinction" to describe a differentiation that causes confusion or raises issues, for example: "The author highlights a "problematic distinction" between theoretical and practical knowledge."

What are some alternatives to "problematic distinction"?

Alternatives include "questionable differentiation", "dubious distinction", or "difficult separation" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "problematic distinction" and "subtle difference"?

Yes. "Problematic distinction" implies that the differentiation causes issues or confusion, while "subtle difference" simply indicates that the difference is not immediately obvious.

When is it appropriate to use "problematic distinction" in academic writing?

Use "problematic distinction" in academic writing when analyzing concepts or theories where the differentiation is unclear, contested, or leads to logical inconsistencies or practical difficulties. For example, the "problematic distinction" between correlation and causation in statistical analysis.