to be distinctive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be distinctive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that stands out or is unique in comparison to others. Example: "In order to succeed in a competitive market, a brand must find ways to be distinctive and memorable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The guest experience has to be distinctive.

The New York Times - Arts

Their best bet is to be distinctive.

The Economist

She does not want them to be distinctive.

The New York Times

So many cities are trying to be distinctive.

The Guardian

You have to be distinctive, a little bold — or rebellious".

The New Yorker

Remember that your readers need you to be distinctive and memorable.

The Guardian

The abnormalities, now known as plaques and tangles, are thought to be distinctive to Alzheimer's disease.

The New York Times

His party, he said, now had to be "distinctive, but not destructive".

The Guardian

"Maybe it came from a time when beer didn't have to be distinctive," he mused.

The New Yorker

Their customers want their houses to be distinctive, even if they are in a cluster development.

The New York Times

"We want to be distinctive from the Queens side," Mr. DeSouza said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, use "to be distinctive" to highlight unique findings or characteristics within a study. For example, "This study's methodology needs to be distinctive to yield novel insights."

Common error

Avoid using "to be distinctive" when the context already implies uniqueness. Saying "the aim is to be distinctive and unique" is redundant; simply state "the aim is "to be distinctive"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be distinctive" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as a complement or to express purpose. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its usage in diverse contexts, from marketing to scientific research, showing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to be distinctive" is grammatically correct and very commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to emphasize uniqueness and differentiation, making it valuable in fields requiring brand recognition or novel research findings. When writing, remember that alternatives like "to stand out" or "to be unique" can provide nuanced variations, and it's crucial to avoid redundancy by ensuring the context doesn't already imply uniqueness. In essence, the phrase is best used when highlighting the importance of setting something apart from the norm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to stand out

Focuses on prominence and visibility compared to others.

to be unique

Emphasizes singularity and unparalleled characteristics.

to be distinguishable

Highlights the ability to be easily recognized as different.

to set apart

Implies creating a separation or difference from the norm.

to be remarkable

Suggests being worthy of attention due to uncommon qualities.

to be exceptional

Highlights exceeding the norm or expectations.

to differentiate oneself

Focuses on the act of making oneself different.

to carve a niche

Implies creating a unique position or identity in a specific area.

to make a name for oneself

Focuses on becoming well-known for unique accomplishments.

to blaze a trail

Suggests pioneering and creating something new and different.

FAQs

How can I use "to be distinctive" in a sentence?

You can use "to be distinctive" to describe the need for something to stand out. For example, "In a competitive market, a product needs "to be distinctive" to attract customers."

What is a good alternative to "to be distinctive"?

Alternatives to "to be distinctive" include "to stand out", "to be unique", or "to be distinguishable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to be distinctive" or "to become distinctive"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "to be distinctive" when describing a current state or inherent quality. Use "to become distinctive" when referring to a process or change over time.

What's the difference between "to be distinctive" and "to be characteristic"?

"To be distinctive" emphasizes uniqueness and standing out, while "to be characteristic" highlights typical or representative features. Distinctiveness implies being different, while being characteristic implies being typical.