strong distinction between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong distinction between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing a clear and significant difference between two or more concepts, ideas, or categories. Example: "There is a strong distinction between qualitative and quantitative research methods, each serving different purposes in the field of study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

There's a strong distinction between happiness and fun.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Others made a strong distinction between thinking and acting.

The New York Times

I make a strong distinction between death and dying.

The Guardian - Books

"The brain is not making a strong distinction between these forms of intelligence," Barbey said.

The New Yorker

But they are not ideologically motivated, and the Mexican government is trying to make a strong distinction between those things".

The New York Times

"Older readers are conditioned to see a strong distinction between editorial and ads," said Don Morrison, director of media services at Della Femina Rothschild Jeary & Partners.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

She believes that users and content creators will eventually stop making strong distinctions between Web content and traditional TV content.

MIT Technology Review

Facebook has some fairly strong distinctions between these two types of non-individual accounts that it offers on the site.

The New York Times

In considering African health care practice, it is usual to draw strong distinctions between biomedical and traditional practices, and between public and private health institutions.

Social Science & Medicine

Spankers tend to see the world in stark, black-and-white terms, perceive the social order as vulnerable or under attack, tend to make strong distinctions between "us" and "them," and emphasize order and muscular responses to threats.

The New York Times

On these grounds, as a matter of holism she rejects strong distinctions between natural and social sciences, and like Neurath, between the natural and the social world.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strong distinction between", ensure that the difference you are highlighting is genuinely significant and impactful, not just a minor variation. This strengthens your argument and adds clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "strong distinction between" for trivial or insignificant differences. This can weaken your credibility and make your writing seem exaggerated. Reserve it for genuinely important distinctions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong distinction between" functions as a connector and emphasizer, highlighting a notable difference between two or more entities or concepts. It's often used to clarify understanding by drawing attention to key differentiating factors. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strong distinction between" is a useful tool for emphasizing a significant difference between two or more things. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts such as science, news, and academia. When employing this phrase, ensure that the distinction you are highlighting is genuinely important to avoid overstating minor variations. Consider using synonyms like "marked difference between" or "clear contrast between" for variety. Being mindful of the context will ensure its effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marked difference between

Replaces "strong distinction" with "marked difference", emphasizing the noticeable difference.

clear contrast between

Substitutes "strong distinction" with "clear contrast", highlighting the opposition between the items being compared.

significant difference between

Replaces "strong distinction" with "significant difference", emphasizing the importance of the difference.

pronounced difference between

Uses "pronounced difference" instead of "strong distinction", emphasizing the clarity and obviousness of the difference.

noticeable difference between

Emphasizes that the difference is easily observed.

distinct separation between

Highlights the separateness of the items being compared.

evident difference between

Indicates that the difference is obvious and apparent.

sharp contrast between

Uses "sharp contrast" to suggest a striking and easily noticeable difference.

well-defined difference between

Emphasizes that the difference is clearly outlined and easily understood.

fundamental difference between

Highlights a difference that is basic and essential.

FAQs

How can I use "strong distinction between" in a sentence?

You can use "strong distinction between" to emphasize a significant difference. For example, "There's a "strong distinction between" correlation and causation", or "The author draws a "strong distinction between" the two characters".

What phrases are similar to "strong distinction between"?

Similar phrases include "marked difference between", "clear contrast between", or "significant difference between". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "strong" before "distinction"?

No, you don't always need "strong". You can simply say "distinction between" if the difference is clear without needing extra emphasis. Using "strong" adds emphasis to a particularly significant difference.

What is the difference between "strong distinction between" and "subtle distinction between"?

"Strong distinction between" emphasizes a clear and obvious difference, while "subtle distinction between" highlights a difference that is not immediately apparent and requires careful observation.