quite distinct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite distinct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that two or more things are clearly different from each other. Example: "The two species are quite distinct in their physical characteristics and behaviors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are quite distinct".

The New York Times

Otherwise, the two are quite distinct.

The New York Times - Books

Placebo is used in medicine in two quite distinct ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

To the Calerie researchers, these are quite distinct.

The New York Times - Magazine

But AME and GetUp! have quite distinct approaches, Croome says.

The Guardian

On the surface, the two cases appear quite distinct.

The New York Times

So my childhood was broken up into quite distinct parts.

The Guardian - Arts

Anorexia and BDD, while related, are quite distinct.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Your own books are quite distinct from each other.

The Guardian - Books

This case concerned two quite distinct issues of Community law.

Columbia University

The physical appearance of Dimetrodon is quite distinct.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite distinct" to emphasize a notable and clear difference between two or more subjects. It's more impactful than simply stating they are 'different'.

Common error

Avoid using "quite distinct" in very casual or informal settings where simpler language like "very different" or "clearly different" might be more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite distinct" functions as an intensifier + adjective. It modifies a noun or noun phrase to highlight the significant degree to which something is different. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid and useful phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite distinct" functions as an intensifier to emphasize a notable difference between two or more subjects. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. With a "Very common" frequency, it's found across a range of contexts, most prominently in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science". While versatile, avoid overuse in extremely informal settings. Alternatives include "clearly different" or "markedly different". Its communicative purpose is to clarify and highlight differences, ensuring clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly different

Emphasizes the difference with clarity.

markedly different

Highlights a noticeable degree of difference.

unmistakably different

Indicates that the difference is so clear it cannot be mistaken.

patently dissimilar

A more formal way of saying obviously not similar.

readily distinguishable

Suggests ease of telling the difference.

easily differentiated

Focuses on the act of distinguishing with ease.

entirely separate

Stresses complete separation.

wholly unlike

Emphasizes the complete lack of similarity.

sharply contrasted

Highlights a strong contrast between the items.

decidedly discrete

A more formal and emphatic expression of distinctness.

FAQs

How can I use "quite distinct" in a sentence?

You can use "quite distinct" to emphasize the difference between two or more things, for example: "The two species are "quite distinct" in their physical characteristics".

What are some alternatives to "quite distinct"?

You can use alternatives such as "clearly different", "markedly different", or "entirely separate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "quite distinct" and "distinct"?

"Quite distinct" emphasizes the degree of difference more strongly than simply saying "distinct". The addition of "quite" amplifies the noticeable difference between the subjects being compared.

When is it appropriate to use "quite distinct" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "quite distinct" in formal and neutral contexts where you want to clearly emphasize a noticeable difference. While acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in informal conversation where simpler language may be preferable.