Redeeming trait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Redeeming trait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a positive quality or characteristic that makes someone or something more favorable despite other negative aspects. Example: "Despite his flaws, his kindness is a redeeming trait that endears him to many."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their only redeeming trait is that they are delicious, which was the other reason that, two days after our Maunawili probing expedition, Sonny took me out for the kill.

The New York Times - Travel

Roosevelt reserved his most caustic comments for the Tammany Democratic machine and urban Irish immigrants, most of whom, he wrote, were "stupid looking scoundrels with apparently not a redeeming trait, beyond the capacity for making exceedingly ludicrous bills".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The samurai "considered perseverance to be his only redeeming personal trait", but sees the walls of his world crumble as Endo brings him to a heartbreaking homecoming.

The Guardian - Books

"It had no redeeming merit".

The New Yorker

Could this be Spielberg's redeeming moment?

Independent

Does it have a redeeming social value?

The New York Times

But there were few redeeming images from this game.

The New York Times - Sports

One redeeming feature of the backwoods town is its cinema.

Independent

The villains are grotesque creatures lacking any redeeming human virtues.

Independent

Two of these three had some redeeming imaginative elements.

The New Yorker

There are no redeeming characters nor actions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "redeeming trait", ensure that the context clearly establishes the negative aspects it is intended to offset, providing a balanced view.

Common error

Avoid using "redeeming trait" when the positive attribute only slightly mitigates the negative; it should be a significant offset, not a minor detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "redeeming trait" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically describing a particular quality that compensates for other less desirable attributes. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "redeeming trait" is a grammatically correct and usable term used to describe a positive attribute that offsets negative qualities. Ludwig AI confirms this. While relatively rare, it appears primarily in news and media sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. Alternatives include "positive attribute" and "saving grace". When employing this phrase, ensure a clear context demonstrating the negative aspects being compensated. The usage summary highlights its correctness, while the writing guidance advises on avoiding overstatement. Overall, "redeeming trait" is a valuable phrase for balanced assessments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Redeeming quality

Interchangeable, placing emphasis on the general characteristic.

Compensating quality

Directly implies balancing out negative aspects; more explicit about the trade-off.

Counterbalancing feature

Like 'compensating quality', it underscores the balancing effect, often in a more structural sense.

Saving grace

Emphasizes rescue from an otherwise unfavorable situation or character, stronger than a simple offset.

Mitigating aspect

Suggests lessening the severity of something negative, rather than making something fully good.

Positive attribute

Focuses on the positive aspect, without necessarily implying it offsets a negative.

Positive aspect

Focuses on the mere existence of a good element, lacking the offsetting implication.

Valuable characteristic

Highlights the worth or importance of the feature, differing from offsetting negative aspects.

Admirable feature

Highlights worthiness of being admired; less about offsetting negativity.

Plus point

Informal term for a benefit or advantage, not necessarily a trait, nor offsetting.

FAQs

How can I use "redeeming trait" in a sentence?

Use "redeeming trait" to highlight a positive quality that compensates for negative aspects, such as, "Despite his flaws, his kindness is a "redeeming trait" that endears him to many".

What's a good alternative to "redeeming trait"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "positive attribute", "valuable characteristic", or "saving grace".

Is it appropriate to use "redeeming trait" in formal writing?

Yes, "redeeming trait" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when providing a balanced assessment of someone or something with both positive and negative aspects.

What makes "redeeming quality" different from "redeeming trait"?

The terms are nearly interchangeable, but "redeeming quality" focuses more on a general attribute, while ""redeeming trait"" emphasizes a specific characteristic.