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Preposition before noun

Distinction with prepositions

With distinction is common for excellent performance. Of distinction is formal and describes high status or quality.

Quick answer

Should I use with distinction or of distinction?

Use with distinction for excellent achievement, especially in education or service. Use of distinction in formal phrases describing an important or respected person or thing.

She graduated with distinction.
a scholar of distinction

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
with distinction

Showing excellent performance

This fixed phrase means with honours or notable quality.

He served with distinction in the navy.
2
of distinction

Describing high status

This formal phrase describes someone respected or outstanding.

a writer of distinction
3
make a distinction between

Showing contrast

A common verb pattern with distinction.

We must make a distinction between fact and opinion

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
with distinction
She completed the course with distinction.
excellent achievement
of distinction
He was a scientist of distinction.
formal description of high quality or status
distinction between
There is a distinction between price and value.
difference or contrast
distinction in
The award recognised distinction in teaching.
excellence within a field

Common mistakes

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

Using of distinction for achievements

Academic results usually take with distinction.

✕ She graduated of distinction. ✓ She graduated with distinction.

Confusing distinction between and distinction of

Between introduces contrasting things.

✕ a distinction of fact and opinion ✓ a distinction between fact and opinion

Using with distinction for people

For respected people, of distinction is more natural.

✕ a lawyer with distinction ✓ a lawyer of distinction

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. He graduated ___ distinction.
2. She is a musician ___ distinction.
3. There is a clear distinction ___ the two terms.

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Frequently asked questions

What does with distinction mean?

It means with excellent performance or honours.

Is of distinction formal?

Yes. It is mainly used in formal or literary English.

Can distinction be followed by between?

Yes. Distinction between is very common for contrasts.

with, dignity, of, dignity "with disability" or "of disability"? "with emphasis" or "of emphasis"? "with friend" or "of friend"? with, of, to, between or for husband? with, of, under, for or in load? "without exception", "of exception" or "with exception"? "without notice" or "of notice"? "without warning" or "of warning"? without, with, of, in or as regard? "with partner" or "of partner"? "with smile" or "of smile"?

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