substantial distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a significant difference between two things. For example: "The substantial distinction between the two proposals has prompted a public discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I see no substantial distinction between the two dispositions.

Cornell University

Because watching Kramer's spluttered evangelising of his latest scheme (hooking Jerry up on illegal cable TV), with the same brand of unhinged vehemence displayed by Michael Richards to such hateful ends, made me wonder: perhaps the real reason I can't distinguish Richards from Kramer is because there is no substantial distinction to be found?

The Guardian

It may be conceded, as a general proposition, that there is a substantial distinction between the acts of a municipality as the agent of the state, for the preservation of peace and the protection of persons and property, and its acts as the agent of its citizens, for the care and improvement of the public property, and the adaptation of the city for the purposes of residence and business.

Cornell University

Except there is a substantial distinction in the small print.

BBC

His account required a substantial distinction between logical form and grammatical form as traditionally conceived.

SEP

In the European Court of Human Right's case law, a substantial distinction is thus made between the choices of justification when processing sensitive data.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The chapter makes clear the substantial distinctions between design conditions for optical and RF applications, namely, the presence of nonlinear distortions in the optical fiber communication channel.

Optical Fiber Telecommunications V B Systems and Networks

Because of the substantial distinctions between the two, brokers and real estate lawyers advise buyers to hire an experienced landlord-tenant lawyer at the outset of the purchase process.

The New York Times

The bank's decision to lift its base rate to 3.75percentt, from 3.5percentt, was announced shortly before the European Central Bank in Frankfurt left rates in the 12-nation euro zone unchanged, underscoring the substantial distinctions between the more sluggish Continental economy and its faster-growing but more volatile British counterpart.

The New York Times

While is true that the ways in which we can define this age and its features possess substantial distinctions, authors agree that information and communication technologies constitute an essential dimension in the creation, dissemination and use of the knowledge and, therefore, in society's structural transformation processes (Castells & Cardoso, 2005).

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

There are, certainly, substantial distinctions between the BBB model and the eternal inflation cosmology.

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial distinction" when you want to emphasize that a difference is not just present, but also significant and meaningful. This can add weight to your argument or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial distinction" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "big difference" or "major change" are often more appropriate and natural in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial distinction" functions as a noun phrase, highlighting a significant difference or contrast. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. The phrase acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting a marked difference.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial distinction" is a phrase used to denote a notable and significant difference between two things. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific, academic, and news-related contexts, indicating a formal register. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where you want to highlight a difference that is not only present but also has a considerable impact. Remember to avoid using it in informal settings, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

important distinction

Highlights the importance of the distinction being made.

significant difference

Replaces "substantial" with "significant", indicating a notable but not necessarily large difference.

fundamental difference

Indicates that the difference affects the core nature or function of the items being compared.

considerable difference

Uses "considerable" instead of "substantial", suggesting a difference that is worthy of attention.

marked contrast

Emphasizes the opposition between two things, implying a clear and easily observable difference.

noticeable variation

Highlights the observable changes or deviations between items being compared.

clear demarcation

Focuses on setting a boundary or limit, suggesting a defined separation between categories.

pronounced disparity

Indicates an inequality or imbalance that is very noticeable.

critical variation

Highlights that the difference impacts an outcome in a meaningful and measurable way.

major divergence

Suggests that two things started similarly but have moved significantly apart.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial distinction" to highlight a significant difference between two things. For example: "There is a "substantial distinction" between the two proposals." or "The study revealed a "substantial distinction" in the outcomes of the two groups".

What are some alternatives to "substantial distinction"?

Alternatives include "significant difference", "considerable difference", or "marked contrast". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "substantial distinction" and "important distinction"?

While both phrases highlight a notable difference, "substantial distinction" emphasizes the magnitude or degree of the difference, whereas "important distinction" emphasizes the significance or relevance of the difference. "Important distinction" suggests that the difference matters for a particular reason.

When is it appropriate to use "substantial distinction" in writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, or professional reports where you need to emphasize a significant and meaningful difference. Avoid using it in informal contexts where simpler language would suffice.