a characteristic feature of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a characteristic feature of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific quality or trait that is typical of a person, object, or concept. Example: "The vibrant colors are a characteristic feature of this artist's work."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Waiting has always been a characteristic feature of human life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Religious-philosophical diversity was a characteristic feature of Dutch schools.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cognitive decline is a characteristic feature of normal human aging.

Brain Research

These observations suggest that donut-shaped mitochondria might be a characteristic feature of quiescent GSLCs.

Nature

All tortuous microvessels longer than 3 mm, a characteristic feature of angiogenesis, were counted as neovessels.

Nature

A characteristic feature of chaotic dynamical systems is the property of pathological sensitivity to initial positions.

Britannica

Gardner, T. The Old English kenning: a characteristic feature of Germanic poetical diction?

Nature

A strong bias towards integration along transcription units is a characteristic feature of lentiviruses.

Harvard University

A characteristic feature of the calmanac is the articles it carries on the reverse.

The New York Times

Brick tenements where the factory workers lived are also a characteristic feature of the town.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A characteristic feature of the trachea of many mammals is the larynx.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a characteristic feature of", ensure that the feature you are describing is indeed consistently associated with the subject. Provide evidence or context to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a characteristic feature of" to describe traits that are only sometimes present or that apply to a limited subset of cases. Ensure the feature is genuinely representative.

Linguistic Context

Function: The phrase "a characteristic feature of" functions as a noun phrase that identifies and introduces a typical or defining attribute associated with a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

23%

News & Media

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a characteristic feature of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a typical or defining attribute of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It’s frequently found in scientific, encyclopedic, and news-related content, serving to inform and describe subjects with a formal and neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the attribute genuinely represents the subject and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "a defining attribute of" or "a hallmark of" can add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity. The phrase's high frequency and broad usage across authoritative sources reinforce its reliability in academic, professional, and general contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a defining attribute of

Replaces feature with attribute and characteristic with defining, emphasizing the essential nature of the trait.

a typical trait of

Substitutes characteristic with typical, highlighting the common occurrence of the trait.

a hallmark of

Replaces the entire phrase with hallmark, indicating a distinguishing characteristic.

a distinguishing aspect of

Replaces characteristic with distinguishing and feature with aspect, focusing on what sets something apart.

a key element of

Emphasizes the importance of the feature, suggesting it is crucial to the whole.

a notable quality of

Replaces characteristic with notable and feature with quality, focusing on a prominent attribute.

a representative property of

Highlights that the feature is typical and exemplifies the subject.

a significant component of

Indicates that the feature is an important part of the whole.

a peculiar attribute of

Highlights an odd or unusual attribute.

a diagnostic marker of

Suggests the feature is used to identify or confirm something, often in a medical context.

FAQs

How can I use "a characteristic feature of" in a sentence?

Use "a characteristic feature of" to introduce a typical or notable attribute. For example, "A high level of detail is a characteristic feature of her paintings".

What are some alternatives to "a characteristic feature of"?

You can use alternatives like "a defining attribute of", "a typical trait of", or "a hallmark of" to express a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "a key characteristic feature of"?

While not strictly incorrect, adding "key" might be redundant as "characteristic" already implies a significant attribute. Consider whether "a key element of" or simply "a characteristic feature of" better suits your context.

What's the difference between "a characteristic feature of" and "a common feature of"?

"A characteristic feature of" implies that the feature is typical and helps define the subject, while "a common feature of" simply means that the feature occurs frequently but might not be unique or defining.