distinguish from Vs Distinguish between

[KK]

If the split is between distiguish x from y and distinguish between x and y, how do we know the right answer

[Guest]

I just got nailed on this so I can tell you exactly how it works.

The correct idioms are:

distinguish x from y

distinguish between x and y



Once you narrow down the choices and have these two left with the proper structure listed above, look for the differences in your answer choices and eliminate accordingly.

[StaceyKoprince]

Either idiom is fine - it just depends on the structure of the rest of the sentence. You've got a comparison here (technically, a contrast), so you'd want to make sure that it makes sense to compare X and Y, first, and then you'd want to make sure that X and Y are parallel.

And, of course, if there are any other errors in the sentence, that one's wrong, even if the idiom part is okay.

[Q]

I just noticed that in OG 11, SC 107 tests 'distinguish between' vs 'distinguish from'. I selected A. Although there appears to be another problem with A (use of 'their' deemed to be awkward, but I think it is grammatically correct), the OG explanation states that 'distinguish from' is incorrect. Any insights or opinions on this?

[Marina]

I just noticed that in OG 11, SC 107 tests 'distinguish between' vs 'distinguish from'. I selected A. Although there appears to be another problem with A (use of 'their' deemed to be awkward, but I think it is grammatically correct), the OG explanation states that 'distinguish from' is incorrect. Any insights or opinions on this?

I discussed this SC 107 with Manhattan instructor yesterday, because I had concerns about OG statement about "distinguish from". The instructor confirmed that GMAT prefers distinguish A from B. Besides, when both idioms seem to be correct, it is better to use idiom split as the last split when you make your choice.

[RonPurewal]

I just noticed that in OG 11, SC 107 tests 'distinguish between' vs 'distinguish from'. I selected A. Although there appears to be another problem with A (use of 'their' deemed to be awkward, but I think it is grammatically correct), the OG explanation states that 'distinguish from' is incorrect. Any insights or opinions on this?

I discussed this SC 107 with Manhattan instructor yesterday, because I had concerns about OG statement about "distinguish from". The instructor confirmed that GMAT prefers distinguish A from B. Besides, when both idioms seem to be correct, it is better to use idiom split as the last split when you make your choice.

if the gmat declares that one idiomatic expression is preferred to another one, then that word is gospel. i have certainly seen both "distinguish X from Y" and "distinguish between X and Y" in reputable formal publications, but ... there is only one authority in gmat land, and that authority is the gmat itself.
therefore, if the official word is that "distinguish x from y" is inferior, then as far as we're concerned, it's inferior.