Differences can help you recognize one thing or tell two things apart.
The idea
Use distinguish A from B or distinguish between A and B. A feature can distinguish something from others; by introduces a clue.
Examples
- The guide distinguished the two birds by their calls.
- It can be hard to distinguish fact from opinion.
- A blue label distinguishes this box from the others.
- Can you distinguish between the twins in this photograph?
- In the fog, we could barely distinguish the path.
- The chef distinguished the spices by their smell.
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Watch out
Do not say distinguish A than B: use from after the first item.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct answer. The pattern distinguishes this cup ___ the others. (from / between)
Show answer or example answer
from
from introduces the other cups being compared.
Choose the correct answer. Can you distinguish ___ these two accents? (between / from)
Show answer or example answer
between
between introduces the two accents.
Choose the correct answer. The researcher ___ the samples by colour yesterday. (distinguished / distinguishes)
Show answer or example answer
distinguished
distinguished describes the completed action yesterday.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct answer. The pattern distinguishes this cup ___ the others. (from / between)
Choose the correct answer. Can you distinguish ___ these two accents? (between / from)
Choose the correct answer. The researcher ___ the samples by colour yesterday. (distinguished / distinguishes)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe two things you can distinguish by a feature.