Distinguished between Vs Distinguished from

Question

Please clarify when to used the former over later .
I will appreciate if you provide some examples as well .
Thanks in Advace .

esledge · Answer

It's debatable. What is generally agreed is that both are correct idioms. When the GMAT tests idiom, the split will be between a correct idiom and unacceptable idiom(s), not between a correct idiom and a "just OK" idiom. So, in my opinion, you won't see a GMAT question that boils down to this very fine distinction. Look for other splits in such a question.

I think you  distinguish between X and Y  when you list and contrast qualities of both X and Y. You  distinguish X from Y  when you cite qualities of X that make it unique from Y, where Y is used as the baseline or frame of reference.

Another way to put this: You distinguish between X and Y when it's all about the differences between X and Y. You distinguish X from Y when they are similar, but there's some way to tell them apart.

Examples:
Dr. Leopold distinguishes between Fuji apples and Granny Smith apples in his book, providing tips on how to grow, purchase, and use each type.
Chef Leopold distinguishes Fuji apples from other apples in his cookbook, writing that the high sugar content and dense flesh of Fuji apples makes them the best apple for baking.

sacmanitin · Answer

thanks  esledge , i have read somewhere that one idiom is when we talk about similar things like apples and mangoes   and other one when we talk about entirely different ,can you explain on this line of thought ,correct me if i am wrong..

esledge · Answer

Often, though definitely not always, prepositions have a metaphorical meaning that can help you make sense of idioms.

Distinguishing between X and Y is similar to
...going between X and Y to make a decision
...listing the qualities shared between X and Y
When we go  between  two thing/places/ideas, there is often a metaphorical back-and-forth.

Distinguishing X from Y is similar to
...examining how X is different from Y
...separating X from Y by naming it's difference.
When we go  from  one thing/place/idea to another, there is often a metaphorical separation.

BUT just use this kind of thinking if it helps you memorize the major GMAT idioms (this is not one of those, btw). Don't get carried away with it!

samusa · Answer

Many thanks for the post.

Distinguish between X and Y = Distinguish between APPLES and BANANAS- Dissimilar entities are distinguished.

Distinguish X from Y = Distinguish BAD APPLES FROM GOOD APPLES- Similar entities are distinguished.

Although the usage depend upon the sentence.

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Distinguished between Vs Distinguished from

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