the distinctive difference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the distinctive difference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing a unique or notable contrast between two or more things. Example: "The distinctive difference between the two products lies in their design and functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The distinctive difference between these two types of starch is the degree of polymerization.

Applied Water Science

This is what has made the distinctive difference in both the IB and UWC educational systems -- the ability to incorporate this active learning as a fundamental part of the education offer.

HuffPost

The distinctive difference is that W-curves converge along the Z-axis.

Plosone

Subtle difference(s) in the structure of the amphipathic groove or the distinctive difference(s) in the structure of the N- and/or C-termini, may affect the binding to the motifs.

Plosone

Tumor specificity at a transcriptional level is thus often irrelevant to the distinctive difference between tumors and normal tissues.

BioMed Research International

The trial was open-label because of the distinctive difference in the mode of trial product administration.

Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A good deal of the physical texture comes from the distinctive differences in the ways Mr. Martins's three couples dance together at first.

The New York Times - Arts

Added values to project economy from condensate sales and gas deliverability loss due to condensate blockage are the distinctive differences between gas condensate and dry gas reservoirs.

Fuel

However, because of the distinctive differences in cell wall compositions and the interaction among cell wall polymers between grass and dicot plants, the functionality usually could not be accurately inferred just simply based on sequence homology39, 62.

Nature

According to the distinctive differences of Mandarin rhythm from the Western languages, we integrate the prosodic parameters into the recognition and evaluation model to highlight Mandarin characteristics and improve the evaluation performance.

Speech Communication

The existing unicast routing metrics do not perform well in multicast due to the distinctive differences between unicast and multicast routing in frame exchange manners in the link layer.

Computer Networks

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the distinctive difference" to pinpoint a specific, noteworthy distinction. Ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "the distinctive difference" when a simpler phrase like "the main difference" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the distinctive difference" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and emphasizes a particular contrast or distinction, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

77%

News & Media

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the distinctive difference" serves to emphasize a notable contrast, functioning as a noun phrase predominantly used in formal and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct grammatical usage. While not exceedingly common, its presence in reputable sources like PlosOne and The New York Times indicates its suitability for analytical and descriptive writing. When using this phrase, ensure it pinpoints a clear and noteworthy distinction to avoid unnecessary complexity. Several alternatives, such as "the key differentiator" and "the main distinction", offer similar emphasis with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main distinction

Identifies the primary point of divergence.

the key differentiator

Highlights the factor that sets something apart from its competitors.

the notable contrast

Emphasizes the comparative aspect of the difference.

the defining characteristic

Emphasizes the most important feature.

the unique attribute

Focuses on a single, unparalleled characteristic.

the specific feature

Focuses on particular aspect that make it stand out.

the peculiar aspect

Highlights an unusual or specific trait.

the single difference

Draws attention to one single aspect that is what differs.

the outstanding quality

Highlights the aspect that make it exceptional.

the remarkable feature

Focus on a notable trait.

FAQs

How can I use "the distinctive difference" in a sentence?

Use "the distinctive difference" to highlight a specific and noteworthy distinction between two or more items. For example, "The distinctive difference between these two models lies in their energy efficiency."

What can I say instead of "the distinctive difference"?

You can use alternatives like "the key differentiator", "the main distinction", or "the unique attribute" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "distinctive difference" since differences are inherently distinctive?

While "difference" implies a distinction, using "distinctive difference" emphasizes that the difference is particularly noticeable or important. It's a matter of emphasis rather than strict redundancy.

What's the difference between "the distinctive difference" and "the subtle difference"?

"The distinctive difference" highlights a clear and easily observable contrast, whereas "the subtle difference" points to a contrast that is not immediately apparent and requires closer examination.