the key distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the key distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when highlighting an important difference between two or more concepts, ideas, or items. Example: "The key distinction between the two theories lies in their approach to problem-solving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The key distinction is the modularization of learning.

Harvard Business Review

The fundamentalist/political binary comes through as the key distinction within Loyalism.

Cornell University

The key distinction is how many people you want to get together to make something big.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The key distinction is this: in Syria, Clinton favors a focus on toppling Bashar al-Assad while simultaneously combating Isis.

The Guardian - Opinion

The key distinction with the first model concerns how cells are replaced following death via PCD or a disaster.

Nature

The key distinction between equity capital and debt is that debt cannot lose its value if the bank makes losses.

The Economist

The key distinction is that, unlike those subscription services, YouTube claims it is able to take advantage of so-called "safe harbours" to negotiate licences.

The Guardian - Music

The key distinction is between the attention-hustlers – the pure troll howlers who play this grotesque game for its own sake and their own – and the true believers.

The Guardian

I think you say this because you endorse a principle that the key distinction is between empirical questions that are answerable and non-empirical ones that aren't.

The Guardian

The key distinction is that while fossil fuels release carbon that otherwise would have remained sequestered, biomass releases carbon that would have entered the atmosphere anyway, through decomposition.

The New Yorker

The key distinction is between the plain truths of working people - whether steelworkers or, as in O'Reilly's case, accountants - and the softer ideas of the elite.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the key distinction" to clearly and concisely highlight the most important difference between two or more concepts, ensuring clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "the key distinction" multiple times within a short section of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "the main difference" or "the crucial point" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the key distinction" functions as a noun phrase that introduces and emphasizes the most important difference between two or more elements. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to clarify critical differences. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the key distinction" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to highlight the most important difference between two or more elements. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is prevalent in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While highly effective for emphasizing critical differences, avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Instead, consider alternatives such as "the main difference" or "the crucial point" to diversify your writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main difference

Focuses on the primary difference, often simpler and more direct.

the crucial difference

Emphasizes the importance of the difference being highlighted.

the primary contrast

Highlights the contrast aspect, useful when comparing opposing ideas.

the essential difference

Indicates the fundamental or basic difference.

the significant difference

Stresses the noteworthiness or importance of the difference.

the defining characteristic

Highlights a characteristic that sets something apart.

the critical factor

Identifies a factor that is essential for understanding the difference.

the central point of divergence

More formal, indicating where things start to differ.

the watershed moment

Implies a turning point or a major shift causing the difference.

the bottom line

Summarizes the most important difference, often in a business context.

FAQs

How can I use "the key distinction" in a sentence?

You can use "the key distinction" to emphasize the most important difference between two things. For example, "The key distinction between these two approaches is their focus on long-term sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "the key distinction"?

Some alternatives include "the main difference", "the crucial difference", or "the primary contrast", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the key distinction" or "a key distinction"?

"The key distinction" implies that there is one primary difference, while "a key distinction" suggests that there are multiple important differences, but you are highlighting one. Choose the phrasing that accurately reflects the context.

What's the difference between "the key distinction" and "the main point"?

"The key distinction" highlights a difference between two or more things, while "the main point" emphasizes the most important idea or argument. The former is about comparison, the latter about central focus.