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Preposition after adjective

indistinguishable from, in, to, by or for?

The adjective indistinguishable is normally followed by from when comparing two things that cannot be told apart. Other prepositions may appear in separate phrases with different meanings.

Quick answer

Which preposition follows indistinguishable?

Use indistinguishable from to say that two people or things seem exactly the same. Prepositions such as in, by, or for usually belong to another part of the sentence rather than directly following the adjective.

The copy was indistinguishable from the original.
Her voice became indistinguishable from her sister's.
The synthetic fabric is almost indistinguishable from real silk.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
indistinguishable from + noun

Comparing two things that cannot be told apart

Use from after indistinguishable to compare similar people, objects, sounds, or qualities.

The fake signature was indistinguishable from the real one.
At night, the twins are indistinguishable from each other.
2
indistinguishable from + clause

Saying one thing appears exactly like another

You can follow from with a noun phrase expanded by a clause or description.

The simulation was indistinguishable from what we see in real life.
His accent sounded indistinguishable from that of a native speaker.
3
indistinguishable in + area

Using in for the area or situation

In does not normally follow indistinguishable directly as its selected preposition. It can introduce the area where no difference is noticed.

The two brands are indistinguishable in taste to most customers.
The samples were indistinguishable in appearance under the microscope.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
indistinguishable from
The replica is indistinguishable from the original.
Standard pattern meaning impossible to tell apart.
indistinguishable in
The fabrics are indistinguishable in texture.
In introduces the aspect or area of similarity, not the object compared.
indistinguishable to
The details were indistinguishable to the naked eye.
To can identify the observer who cannot notice a difference.
indistinguishable by
The species are indistinguishable by colour alone.
By introduces the method or criterion used for distinction.
indistinguishable for
The two products are indistinguishable for most buyers.
This use is uncommon and usually less natural than to most buyers or from each other.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using to instead of from for direct comparison

Use from when saying two things cannot be told apart.

✕ The imitation is indistinguishable to the original. ✓ The imitation is indistinguishable from the original.

Using in as the comparison preposition

In usually introduces an aspect such as appearance or taste, not the thing compared.

✕ The copy is indistinguishable in the original. ✓ The copy is indistinguishable from the original.

Confusing by with from

By refers to the method of distinction, not the object being compared.

✕ The paintings are indistinguishable by each other. ✓ The paintings are indistinguishable from each other.

Using for where to is more natural

To commonly introduces the observer or group affected.

✕ The difference was indistinguishable for visitors. ✓ The difference was indistinguishable to visitors.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The forged document was indistinguishable ___ the real one.
2. The two liquids are indistinguishable ___ colour.
3. The markings were indistinguishable ___ the human eye.

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Frequently asked questions

Is indistinguishable from always correct?

It is the standard pattern when comparing two things that cannot be told apart.

Can I use indistinguishable in?

Yes, but usually to describe an aspect or area, such as indistinguishable in taste or in appearance.

Can indistinguishable be followed by by?

Yes. By can introduce the method of comparison, as in indistinguishable by sight alone.

ideal-for-in-as-at, from "identical to" or "identical with"? identifiable by, as, with, in or to? "idle for" or "idle in"? ignorant of, about, to, in or on? "illegal in" or "illegal for"? illustrative of, in, rather or for? ill with, in, for, at or of? "immune to" or "immune from"? "impatient with" or "impatient for"? "imperative for" or "imperative to"? impervious to, from or in?

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