draw a distinction — differentiate (formal/neutral)
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
to clearly show or explain the difference between two similar things, especially in a careful or thoughtful way.
Say it like a native
Textbook One must delineate the difference between the two concepts.
Native We need to draw a distinction between the two.
'Delineate the difference' is academic; 'draw a distinction' is the natural collocation.
Pattern: draw a distinction between A and B
In use
- It's important to draw a distinction between constructive criticism and personal attacks.education
- In my opinion, it's essential to draw a distinction between traditional learning methods and modern technology-based approaches, as each has its own advantages.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ We should draw a distinction of the two ideas.
✓ We should draw a distinction between the two ideas.
'Distinction BETWEEN' — not 'of'.
Common collocations
draw a distinction— between, a clear, an important, sharp
Don't confuse it
Unlike the more general 'see the difference' or 'tell the difference', 'draw a distinction' suggests a deliberate act of explaining or clarifying the difference, often in a discussion or argument.