was distinguished by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was distinguished by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was noted or identified for having a particular characteristic. For example, "The student was distinguished by her hard work and dedication to her studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Anonymous was distinguished by his shyness and his secretiveness.

The Guardian - Books

The saga was distinguished by two other factors as well.

The New York Times

Lenin's outward appearance was distinguished by simplicity and strength.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By contrast, Popper lacked demonstrable charm and was distinguished by long ears, enlarged by tugging.

The New York Times - Books

But on Monday she was distinguished by her warmly luxurious, buttery tone and long, seamless phrases.

The New York Times - Arts

His life was distinguished by a profound concern for the greater good of all humanity.

The New York Times

Citigroup's first quarter was distinguished by strong improvements in its overseas units.

The New York Times

Her playing was distinguished by its probing intelligence and searing introspection.

The New York Times

Chiki Sarkar, the publisher, said that Hanif was distinguished by his relatively humble origins.

The New Yorker

Bush said Mr. Reagan was distinguished by his kindness, his decency and his sense of humor.

The New York Times

Her childhood, she writes, was "distinguished by a pervasive quality of fear.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was distinguished by" to clearly articulate the unique quality or characteristic that sets a subject apart from others. Ensure the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand why this distinction is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "was distinguished by" with general or meaningless attributes. Instead, focus on specific, verifiable qualities that genuinely set the subject apart. For example, instead of "was distinguished by its excellence", specify "was distinguished by its innovative approach to problem-solving".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was distinguished by" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice. It connects a subject to a specific quality or characteristic that made it stand out. Ludwig examples confirm its role in emphasizing unique attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was distinguished by" is a versatile phrase used to highlight specific, notable qualities that set something apart. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its prevalence in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, marking it as appropriate for formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and precision by specifying the distinguishing attribute. Consider alternatives like "was characterized by" or "was noted for" to refine the nuance. This phrase helps writers pinpoint what made a subject different from its peers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was characterized by

Focuses on the general attributes of something, not necessarily what sets it apart.

was marked by

Highlights a notable feature or event, often with implications of importance or impact.

was noted for

Emphasizes recognition of a specific quality or achievement.

was identified by

Focuses on recognizing something based on specific features.

was defined by

Highlights the essential qualities that establish the meaning or scope of something.

stood out because of

Emphasizes the aspect that made something noticeable or prominent.

was remarkable for

Highlights something exceptional or worthy of attention.

was exceptional due to

Emphasizes the outstanding nature of something and its cause.

was unique in its

Highlights the quality of being unlike anything else.

was unparalleled in

Emphasizes the unmatched or superior quality of something.

FAQs

How can I use "was distinguished by" in a sentence?

Use "was distinguished by" to highlight a specific, notable quality or characteristic that sets something apart. For instance, "Her leadership "was distinguished by" her unwavering commitment to social justice".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "was distinguished by"?

Alternatives include "was characterized by", "was marked by", or "was noted for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "was distinguished by" or "is distinguished by"?

Use "was distinguished by" when referring to a past quality or characteristic. Use "is distinguished by" when referring to a current or ongoing quality.

What makes "was distinguished by" different from "was known for"?

"Was distinguished by" emphasizes a unique or defining trait, while "was known for" suggests a widely recognized attribute, not necessarily unique. For example, someone might be "was distinguished by" their innovative thinking, even if also "was known for" their philanthropy.