what distinguished it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what distinguished it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the unique features or characteristics that set something apart from others. Example: "The innovative design and user-friendly interface are what distinguished it from its competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The show offered no answer as to what distinguished it, and its star, from the packed slate of live morning broadcasts.

The New Yorker

The key to 4chan's popularity (and what distinguished it from its progenitor Something Awful) was the Japanese bulletin board Poole had adapted for English use.

Huffington Post

Because Rumble Fish was fascinatingly adolescent, at a time when American cinema was embracing adolescence at its most inane: its juvenile nature was apparent in its plotline, but what distinguished it from the dull John Hughes confections about to follow was that impeccable style.

The Guardian - Film

What distinguished it was the passion of its conviction, however naïve, that architecture could be an agent for profound social change.

The New York Times - Arts

He wrote: "The first 'Nightmare' quickly became a landmark horror movie and what distinguished it then is what still marks it out as a classic now.

The Guardian - Film

"It made a lot of people uneasy, because if men's money was central to the dating relationship, what distinguished it from prostitution?" Bailey says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Project Lightning could see Twitter moving in the opposite direction, doubling-down on what distinguishes it from its larger rival.

The Guardian - Tech

Much of science is trying to understand the world around us — what distinguishes it is its systematic, evidence-based approach to determining cause and effect.

The New York Times

What distinguishes it from its apoptotic mechanism and how can this knowledge be exploited to improve liver regeneration after excessive damage?

Archives of Toxicology

What has long distinguished Oceana and what distinguishes it still is its polyglot approach to its menu, on which different dishes turn in different directions for the sidekicks and seasonings to accompany different fish.

The New York Times - Food

What makes "The Left Hand of Darkness" succeed as a novel is the tremendous tension of its plot; what distinguishes it from most other novels is its sui generis treatment of sex and gender.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what distinguished it", ensure that the context clearly identifies what 'it' refers to. This prevents ambiguity and ensures your writing is concise and easy to understand.

Common error

Avoid using "what distinguished it" without clearly establishing the group or category from which you are differentiating. Without this context, the phrase lacks meaning and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what distinguished it" functions as a relative clause, introducing the specific attribute or characteristic that sets a subject apart from others. It highlights unique features, aligning with Ludwig AI's analysis that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what distinguished it" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for highlighting the unique attributes that set something apart. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for use in written English, particularly within news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial; ensure the 'it' and the basis for comparison are explicitly defined. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "what set it apart" or "the defining characteristic" to maintain the intended emphasis on uniqueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what set it apart

Focuses on separation and uniqueness from a group or standard.

the defining characteristic

Highlights a single, crucial trait that identifies something.

the unique aspect of it

Emphasizes the singularity and special nature of a particular feature.

the key differentiator

Highlights the factor that causes something to stand out from competitors or similar entities.

the hallmark feature

Points out a typical or recognizable element.

the distinguishing factor

A more formal way to describe what makes something different.

what made it exceptional

Focuses on the qualities that elevate something above the ordinary.

the remarkable attribute

Highlights a specific quality that is worthy of attention.

the special quality it possessed

Indicates an inherent and unique trait.

the trait that differentiated it

Focuses on how a specific trait caused it to be different.

FAQs

How can I use "what distinguished it" in a sentence?

Use "what distinguished it" to introduce the unique quality or feature that sets something apart from others in its category. For example: "What distinguished it from other models was its innovative design."

What's a good alternative to "what distinguished it"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "what set it apart", "the defining characteristic", or "the unique aspect of it".

Is it better to use "what distinguished it" or "what made it unique"?

Both phrases are valid, but "what distinguished it" implies a comparison with similar items, while "what made it unique" simply highlights its singularity. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your comparison.

How does "what distinguished it" compare to "the key differentiator"?

"What distinguished it" is a broader term that can refer to any notable difference, while "the key differentiator" typically refers to a specific factor that sets a product or service apart in a competitive market.