the only distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the only distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing that there is a single difference or contrast between two or more things. Example: "The only distinction between the two products is their color; otherwise, they are identical in functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The only distinction that will matter will be between good and bad writing.

The New Yorker

The craving for adrenaline is not the only distinction between veterans and other collegians.

The New York Times

Then, Prose wrote that "in the future... the only distinction that will matter will be between good and bad writing".

The Guardian - Books

The only distinction between them as "slaves" and as "apprentices", was that they must be freed after 14 years.

The Guardian

Often the only distinction between two forms of a word is the length of a single vowel.

The New York Times - Books

The only distinction that matters in so happily free-ranging an endeavor is whether the story works.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Those are not the only distinctions blurred in "The Memory Show".

The New York Times

Those aren't the only distinctions being passed through the mangle of absurdity.

Vice

It is important to note, however, that expertise effects in cutaneous wind perception are not the only distinctions between expert sailors and novices that may account for experts' superior performance in the field.

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

However, in the present study, only distinction was made between lame and healthy sows.

Animal

That's the only real distinction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the only distinction", ensure that the context clearly identifies the items being compared. This will prevent ambiguity and strengthen the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "the only distinction" without explicitly stating what two or more items are being compared. For instance, instead of saying, "The only distinction is the price", specify, "The only distinction between these two models is the price".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only distinction" functions as a noun phrase that often serves as a subject complement or part of a prepositional phrase. It identifies the single differentiating characteristic between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the only distinction" serves to pinpoint the singular difference between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is a versatile phrase, appearing across a range of sources including news, science, and encyclopedias. While semantically similar alternatives exist, such as "the sole difference" or "the key difference", each carries subtle nuances. When employing "the only distinction", ensure clarity by explicitly stating the items being compared to avoid ambiguity. This phrase finds frequent application in various domains, solidifying its place as a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole difference

Emphasizes singularity in difference, interchangeable in many contexts.

the single differentiating factor

Highlights what sets something apart; more specific and technical.

the key difference

Focuses on the most important or significant difference.

the only variance

Emphasizes a deviation or change as being the only one.

the unique distinction

Highlights that the distinction is not only singular but also special or uncommon.

the one and only difference

Adds emphasis through repetition, suggesting no other differences exist.

the only point of difference

Focuses on the aspects where things diverge.

the sole characteristic

Highlights a singular aspect.

the lone differentiator

Focuses on what sets something apart in a competitive context.

merely a difference of

Downplays the significance of the distinction.

FAQs

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

Use "the only distinction" to point out the single difference between two or more items. For example, "The only distinction between the two products is their packaging".

What phrases can I use instead of "the only distinction"?

Alternatives include "the sole difference", "the key difference", or "the single differentiating factor depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the only distinction is" or "the only distinction are"?

It is correct to say "the only distinction is" because "distinction" is singular. You would use "are" if referring to multiple distinctions, for example "The only distinctions are A and B".

What's the difference between "the only distinction" and "a major distinction"?

"The only distinction" indicates there is just one difference, whereas "a major distinction" implies one significant difference among potentially many others. So, "the only distinction" emphasizes exclusivity, while a major distinction emphasizes significance.