with distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

"with distinction" is a phrase commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that someone has achieved something at a very high level of excellence. For example, "He graduated from college with distinction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bride graduated with distinction from Cornell.

The New York Times

She graduated with distinction from Stanford.

The New York Times

She graduated from Indiana University with distinction.

The New York Times

He graduated with distinction from Stanford.

The New York Times

" 'Speak with Distinction' is the Bible.

The New Yorker

Both have served with distinction.

The New York Times

She graduated with distinction from the University of Virginia.

The New York Times

He graduated with distinction from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

The New York Times

He graduated with distinction from Emory University.

The New York Times - Style

They all served their nation with distinction.

The New York Times

She was awarded an MA with distinction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with distinction" to highlight significant accomplishments, especially in academic or professional contexts. It adds a formal and respectful tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "with distinction" in casual or informal settings. It can sound overly formal or pretentious when a simpler, more direct phrase would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with distinction" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It adds emphasis to the achievement, highlighting its exceptional quality, similar to how Ludwig AI explains its use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with distinction" is a phrase used to denote outstanding achievement, primarily in academic and professional spheres. As Ludwig AI explains, it functions as an adverbial phrase, emphasizing the exceptional manner in which something was accomplished. Its formal register makes it ideal for official reports and evaluations, while its overuse in casual settings should be avoided. Alternatives like "with honors" or "outstandingly" can be used depending on the context. The phrase is very common, particularly in news media and academic publications, reinforcing its role in formally recognizing excellence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with honors

Replaces "distinction" with "honors", a synonym indicating high academic achievement.

with excellence

Substitutes "distinction" with "excellence", emphasizing the high quality of performance.

with merit

Uses "merit" instead of "distinction", highlighting the worthiness of the achievement.

outstandingly

Replaces the prepositional phrase with an adverb, focusing on the exceptional manner of performance.

remarkably

Similar to "outstandingly", this adverb underscores the noteworthiness of the accomplishment.

in an exceptional manner

Expresses the idea of distinction through a more descriptive phrase.

to a high standard

Indicates achievement at a level above the ordinary.

with great success

Focuses on the successful outcome, implying a high degree of distinction.

creditably

This adverb suggests that something was done in a manner deserving of praise and recognition.

laudably

This adverb suggest something was achieved in a praiseworthy manner.

FAQs

How is "with distinction" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "with distinction" is used to describe the manner in which someone has achieved something, often in academic or professional settings. For example, "She graduated "with distinction" from law school".

What are some alternatives to "with distinction" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "with honors", "with excellence", or "outstandingly".

Is it more appropriate to say "graduated with distinction" or "graduated with honors"?

Both phrases are appropriate, but "graduated with distinction" often implies a higher level of achievement. The specific criteria for each vary by institution, so it's best to understand the standards of the institution in question.

Can "with distinction" be used to describe something other than academic or professional achievements?

While primarily used in academic and professional contexts, "with distinction" can be used more broadly to describe anything done exceptionally well. For instance, "He served his country "with distinction"".