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Grammar fix

draw a distinction

differentiate (formal/neutral)

to clearly show or explain the difference between two similar things, especially in a careful or thoughtful way.

collocationC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • 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

Fix the pattern

Pattern: draw a distinction between A and B

WrongWe should draw a distinction of the two ideas.

RightWe should draw a distinction between the two ideas.

'Distinction BETWEEN' — not 'of'.

Patterndraw a distinction between A and B

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff One must delineate the difference between the two concepts.

Natural We need to draw a distinction between the two.

'Delineate the difference' is academic; 'draw a distinction' is the natural collocation.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • draw a distinction
    betweena clearan importantsharp

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.

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