to discern between

USAGE SUMMARY

"to discern between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the ability to distinguish or differentiate between two things. For example: "With his keen eye for detail, Colin was able to discern between the different shades of blue in the painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Let's give the biographers some work - let them try to discern between real facts and rumours".

The Guardian

"We have to discern between what is trash and what is waste," she said.

The New York Times

Owners of the devices need to discern between dangerous radiation levels and a normal background reading.

The New York Times

When Jim Webb contributed, his hand gestures were distracting, and Lincoln Chafee's nebulous articulation make it difficult to discern between talking points and argumentation.

The Guardian

Justice, in particular, felt uncomfortable, unable to discern between Ohka's fastball and split-finger fastball, and he struck out in his first four at-bats.

The New York Times - Sports

Likewise, asteroid thriller Deep Impact now reigns supreme over the bigger-budgeted Armageddon in the minds of all those able to discern between poignant drama and schmaltzy toss.

The Guardian - Film

This plot is used to discern between bounded and unbounded tail behaviour.

Structural Safety

In fact, Li et al. method needs a previous pre-classification to discern between non-crack and crack images.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

It should be noted that it is difficult and rather impractical to discern between refugees and migrants.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

This suggests that the tracer has potential to discern between high and low P2X7 expression in vivo.

EJNMMI Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

There was also 90% power to discern between-group HbA1c differences of 0.5% (6 mmol/mol).

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to discern between", ensure the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "To discern between fact and fiction, one must consider the source."

Common error

Avoid using overly complex sentence structures when "to discern between" can convey the meaning more directly. Simplicity often enhances clarity. Instead of "It is imperative that a methodology be developed to discern between the two disparate outcomes", try "We need a way to discern between the two outcomes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to discern between" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express the ability or necessity to distinguish differences between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to discern between" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the ability to distinguish differences. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in science and news media, highlighting its relevance in analytical and critical discussions. Alternatives like "to distinguish between" and "to differentiate between" offer similar meanings, with subtle variations in formality and emphasis. When employing this phrase, clarity and well-defined comparison points are key to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to differentiate between

Focuses on recognizing differences; it's more technical and emphasizes the distinguishing characteristics.

to distinguish between

Highlights the ability to see clear differences, often implying careful observation.

to discriminate between

Suggests a more critical or judgmental separation; can sometimes carry negative connotations depending on the context.

to tell the difference between

A more informal way to express the ability to perceive a distinction.

to identify differences between

Focuses on the act of pointing out specific variations.

to recognize variations between

Emphasizes acknowledging and understanding slight changes or deviations.

to determine disparities between

Highlights the process of discovering inequalities or inconsistencies.

to ascertain the contrast between

Focuses on finding the degree of dissimilarity through investigation.

to perceive the divergence between

Highlights noticing the point at which things begin to differ or separate.

to understand the nuances between

Emphasizes grasping subtle differences that may not be immediately obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "to discern between" in a sentence?

Use "to discern between" to show the ability to distinguish differences. For instance, "It is important "to discern between" correlation and causation when analyzing data."

What is a more formal alternative to "to discern between"?

A more formal alternative could be "to differentiate between" or "to distinguish between". These options are suitable for academic or professional contexts, maintaining a level of precision and sophistication.

Is it always necessary to use "between" after "to discern"?

Yes, "between" is necessary when you are comparing two or more items. If you are only referring to one item, you might use "to discern" followed by what is being understood or perceived.

What's the difference between "to discern between" and "to decide between"?

"To discern between" implies understanding and recognizing differences, while "to decide between" suggests making a choice or judgment. Discernment precedes decision.