1
Separate concepts
Explain why related ideas should not be treated as identical.
Example
The article draws a distinction between access and ownership.
draw a distinction
/ˌdrɔː ə dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/ · DRAW uh dih-STINK-shuhnreasoning phrase
Identify and articulate an important difference between ideas, groups, or cases.
Use draw a distinction to signal this exact relationship between ideas: identify and articulate an important difference between ideas, groups, or cases.
What draw a distinction Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Define categories
Set a meaningful boundary for classification.
Example
The policy draws a distinction between research and commercial use.
3
Qualify an argument
Limit a claim by separating one case from another.
Example
The author draws a useful distinction between intent and effect.
Use draw a distinction Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The article draws a distinction between access and ownership.
The policy draws a distinction between research and commercial use.
The author draws a useful distinction between intent and effect.
Precision Matters
Draw a distinction overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
draw a distinction
vs.Signals identify and articulate an important difference between ideas, groups, or cases.
distinguish between
Means recognise or explain the relevant difference between two or more things.
draw a distinction
vs.Signals identify and articulate an important difference between ideas, groups, or cases.
draw a conclusion
Means reach a reasoned judgment by interpreting evidence or premises.
draw a distinction
vs.Signals identify and articulate an important difference between ideas, groups, or cases.
differentiate from
Means identify, mark, or show how one thing differs from another.
draw a distinction
vs.Signals identify and articulate an important difference between ideas, groups, or cases.
underscore
Means to emphasise something or draw special attention to it.
Test draw a distinction in Context
The sentence calls for an important conceptual difference to be made explicit.
1
The essay should ___, treating correlation as a measured relationship and causation as a mechanism.