a broad characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a broad characteristic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a general or overarching trait that applies to a group or category. Example: "One broad characteristic of mammals is that they are warm-blooded animals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A broad characteristic peak at 3,300 cm−1 attributed to the -OH stretching vibration of PVA [13].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Each spectrum is also significantly blue-shifted with respect to bulk SnO2, which exhibits a broad, characteristic absorbance at 280 nm, further indicating the presence of site-isolated SnIV sites.

ChemCatChem

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Anna Lauren Hoffmann, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California at Berkeley who researches and teaches information studies, stresses that the conflict over live video and community standards reflects a broader characteristic of the Facebook worldview: their "ideology of radical transparency".

The Guardian - Tech

We used this route to determine whether our previous observation that skin DC did not present HSV-1 viral antigens reflected a feature of the HSV virus, or alternately, reflected a broader characteristic of subcutaneous viral infection [3].

Plosone

The spectra for tobramycin and DOPE/DOPS = 80/20 membranes, at molar ratio T/L = 1/40, consist of a broad feature characteristic of a lipid bilayer form factor along with a weak lamellar diffraction peak (d = 5.3 nm) with no new induced membrane curvature.

ACS Nano

A second broad characteristic of market-like adjunct incentives relates to the design of the incentive in terms of the mechanism or instrument.

BMC Health Services Research

No sharp reflections, but only a broad halo characteristic for fluid chains is visible in the WAXS region.

Chemistry - A European Journal

As a complement to existing tables or graphics of numerical characteristics, an objective set of representatives that encompasses the broad characteristics of a larger set can help managers to quickly and efficiently understand much about its contents.

Environmental Management

As shown in Figure 2(a), the FT-IR spectrum of c-EPL displays a broad stretching intense characteristic peak at 3376 cm−1 characteristic for the hydroxyl group [ 11].

BioMed Research International

Despite this variety, Abstract Expressionist paintings share several broad characteristics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This class contains genes with a broad expression pattern characteristic of universal cellular functions.

EMBO Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a broad characteristic" when you want to describe a general, overarching feature that applies to a wide range of items or concepts within a category. Be sure the characteristic is genuinely widespread and not just a specific instance.

Common error

Avoid using "a broad characteristic" to describe traits that are not universally applicable. Ensure the characteristic accurately represents the majority of the subject group to prevent misleading generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad characteristic" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. Ludwig AI shows examples where it introduces a general trait or feature pertaining to a subject. It helps to define a shared quality within a group or category.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad characteristic" is a noun phrase used to describe a general or overarching trait shared by a group or category. While grammatically sound and valid, it's relatively rare in usage, appearing mainly in scientific and news contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English. When using this phrase, ensure that the characteristic you're describing is genuinely widespread and not an overgeneralization. Alternatives include "a general attribute" or "a common trait". The phrase serves to introduce a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general attribute

Replaces "characteristic" with "attribute", implying a quality or feature.

a common trait

Substitutes "broad" with "common" and "characteristic" with "trait", suggesting a widely shared feature.

a widespread feature

Replaces "characteristic" with "feature", emphasizing a prominent or noticeable aspect.

a prevalent quality

Changes "broad" to "prevalent" and "characteristic" to "quality", highlighting a dominant or widespread attribute.

a typical attribute

Emphasizes that the characteristic is representative or standard.

a notable aspect

Focuses on an aspect that is worthy of attention or easily observed.

a significant feature

Highlights the importance or consequence of the feature.

a sweeping trait

Indicates that the trait is extensive and applies widely.

an overarching attribute

Suggests the attribute is comprehensive and covers a wide range.

a general property

Uses "property" instead of "characteristic", referring to an inherent or essential quality.

FAQs

How can I use "a broad characteristic" in a sentence?

Use "a broad characteristic" to introduce a feature that is generally true for a group. For example, "A broad characteristic of mammals is their ability to regulate their body temperature."

What are some alternatives to saying "a broad characteristic"?

You can use alternatives like "a general attribute", "a common trait", or "a widespread feature" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a broad characteristic" or "a specific characteristic"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "a broad characteristic" when discussing general features and "a specific characteristic" when focusing on unique or particular features.

What is the difference between "a broad characteristic" and "a common characteristic"?

"A broad characteristic" suggests a widespread feature applicable across many instances, while "a common characteristic" simply implies that the feature is frequently observed, but not necessarily universally present. The first one has wider applications.