to be distinguished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be distinguished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is notable or worthy of recognition, often in a formal context. Example: "Her contributions to the field of science are to be distinguished from those of her contemporaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here, acute stress needs to be distinguished from chronic stress.

The Guardian - Opinion

These two effects need to be distinguished and considered separately.

Applied Ocean Research

This enables these phytoplankton groups to be distinguished from space.

Remote Sensing of Environment

Such faith is to be distinguished from knowledge.

Britannica

Accurate reports had to be distinguished from false ones.

The New York Times - Magazine

I never wanted to be distinguished by being a woman".

Independent

How, in principle, are these situations to be distinguished?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Again, the two things not easily to be distinguished.

Yale University

Value statements are to be distinguished from statements of preference, i.e. statements about what individuals prefer.

Philosophy of Technology and Engineering Sciences

Man-made fibres are to be distinguished from natural fibres such as silk, cotton, and wool.

Britannica

Importantly, multi-lineage priming needs to be distinguished from multi-lineage potency.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be distinguished" when you want to emphasize the clear separation or differentiation between two or more concepts, items, or entities. It's particularly useful in academic, scientific, and formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to be distinguished" excessively in passive constructions. While grammatically correct, over-reliance on passive voice can make your writing sound weak and less direct. Consider rephrasing sentences to use active voice for a more engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to be distinguished" is as part of an infinitive phrase used in passive constructions. It serves to indicate that something should be recognized as different or separate from something else. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be distinguished" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed infinitive phrase, especially in formal and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves the purpose of emphasizing the need for differentiation, setting apart distinct entities or concepts. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in passive constructions to maintain writing strength and clarity. Related phrases such as "to be differentiated" and "to be recognized" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. This phrase is most authoritative in Science, News & Media, and Encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be distinguished from

Adds the prepositional phrase "from" to specify a comparison.

to be differentiated

Changes the verb from "distinguished" to "differentiated", emphasizing the process of identifying differences.

to be recognized

Focuses on the act of acknowledging differences rather than explicitly separating them.

to be set apart

Emphasizes the act of making something distinct or unique.

to be discerned

Highlights the perception or detection of a difference.

to be identified

Focuses on the act of establishing or recognizing what something is.

to be classified

Implies a systematic arrangement into groups or categories.

to be contrasted with

Highlights differences by comparing two or more things.

to be singled out

Emphasizes the act of choosing or recognizing one thing from a group.

to stand out

Focuses on the prominence or noticeable quality of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "to be distinguished" is used to highlight differences between things. For example, "Acute stress needs "to be distinguished from" chronic stress."

What are some alternatives to "to be distinguished"?

You can use alternatives such as "to be differentiated", "to be recognized", or "to be set apart" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "to be distinguished" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "to be distinguished" in formal or academic writing when you need to clearly differentiate between two or more concepts or items. It's suitable when precision and clarity are important.

What's the difference between "to be distinguished" and "to be differentiating"?

"To be distinguished" suggests a state of being different, while "to be differentiating" implies an active process of making something different. The former is a state, while the latter is an action.