small distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a minor difference or variation between two or more things. Example: "There is a small distinction between the two theories, but both offer valuable insights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

German Nazi-sympathetic highbrow thought had some small distinction.

The New Yorker

At first it will sound to them like a small distinction but it isn't.

The Guardian

Hillary Clinton has offered mild criticism of the fracking boom that has spread across the US under Barack Obama's presidency, drawing another small distinction with his administration.

The Guardian

It may seem a small distinction, but it shows that in this regard at least Kim Jong Il was no Hitler".

The New Yorker

With this seemingly small distinction, Airbnb successfully evolved from a technology company that reverse-engineered cross-listings on Craigslist into a lifestyle brand, rooted in people.

The Guardian

David Kennedy, a senior researcher at Harvard, was hired to help, and he advised focusing on gun violence, not on gangs or drugs, a seemingly small distinction, but a crucial one for enforcement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The war to end terror was ready; small distinctions didn't matter.

The New York Times - Magazine

For the Amish, seemingly small distinctions in clothing are filled with religious meaning.

The New York Times

The state's highly conservative Republican voters had to choose based on extremely small distinctions.

The New York Times

And Sandra Day O'Connor concurred with the majority but drew a series of small distinctions that preserved her ability to change her mind in a future case.

The New York Times - Magazine

What I like about them is the way you can make one thing more emphatic, but also how you can point to small distinctions when different bodies execute the same movement".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small distinction", ensure the context clearly establishes what two or more items are being compared and why the distinction, however minor, is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "small distinction" to introduce a difference that fundamentally alters the outcome or meaning. Reserve it for truly minor variations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small distinction" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a subtle or minor difference between two or more things. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small distinction" is a useful tool for highlighting minor differences between two or more things, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts. Remember to use it when the distinction, however slight, is relevant to the discussion. Avoid overstating the significance of the difference. Alternatives include "subtle difference" and "minor variation". Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subtle difference

Focuses on the subtlety of the difference.

minor difference

Emphasizes the relative unimportance of the difference.

slight variation

Highlights a small deviation from a norm.

fine point

Implies the distinction requires careful attention to notice.

nuance

Refers to a subtle quality or distinction.

technicality

Indicates the distinction is related to a technical aspect.

marginal difference

Indicates the difference is very slight and potentially insignificant.

hairline difference

Emphasizes how thin or barely perceptible the difference is.

subtle nuance

Highlights a subtle and refined distinction.

delicate distinction

Implies the distinction is fragile or easily overlooked.

FAQs

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

You can use "small distinction" to point out a minor difference between two things. For example, "There's a small distinction between these two approaches, but the results are nearly identical."

What's the difference between "small difference" and "small distinction"?

While similar, "small distinction" often implies a more subtle or nuanced difference than "small difference", which can be more general.

Is it always necessary to highlight a "small distinction"?

No, only highlight a "small distinction" if it’s relevant to the discussion or has some impact, however minor, on the outcome or understanding.

What can I say instead of "small distinction"?

You can use alternatives like "subtle difference", "minor variation", or "fine point" depending on the specific context.