"distinguishes between" vs "distinguishes the"

Question

"distinguishes between" vs "distinguishes the"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Distinguishes between' is used when comparing or contrasting two or more things, while 'distinguishes the' is used when specifying what is being distinguished by something or someone.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate the ability to recognize differences or distinctions between two or more things.

Examples:

She can easily distinguish between the twins.
The teacher distinguishes between good and bad behavior.
The report distinguishes between the various types of pollution.
It's important to distinguish between facts and opinions.
The study aims to distinguish between different species of birds.

Alternatives:

differentiates between
discerns between
separates into
identifies differences among
recognizes distinctions between

This phrase is used to indicate what is being recognized or set apart by a particular action or person.

Examples:

The detective distinguishes the real painting from the fake one.
The chef can distinguish the different flavors in the dish.
The software distinguishes the user's preferences.
The professor distinguishes the main points in the lecture.
The doctor can distinguish the symptoms of the disease.

Alternatives:

identifies the
recognizes the
sets apart the
discerns the
spots the

Answer 1

distinguishes between

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when comparing or contrasting two or more things.

Answer 2

distinguishes the

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when specifying what is being distinguished by something or someone.

"distinguishes between" vs "distinguishes the"

distinguishes between

distinguishes the

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