a characteristic role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a characteristic role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a role that is typical or defining for a person or entity in a specific context. Example: "In the play, the actor took on a characteristic role that highlighted his unique talents and abilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Film

Science

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Greg Kinnear is good, as always, in a characteristic role of a decent man struggling to locate the truth.

The Guardian - Film

Surface atoms in nanostructural semiconductors have a characteristic role.

International Nano Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Similarly, desire-sentences (and sentences for other attitudes) may be characterized by a different set of operations that define a characteristic computational role for them.

SEP

Anderegg, L. D. L., Anderegg, W. R. L., Abatzoglou, J., Hausladen, A. M. & Berry, J. A. Drought characteristics' role in widespread aspen forest mortality across Colorado, USA.

Nature

Empowering women defined gender as a set of characteristics, roles, and behaviour patterns that differentiate women from men socially and culturally and relations of power between them [ 1].

BMC Women's Health

While smiling may not be a characteristic of Draper, the role he has played in the extraordinarily successful US TV series Mad Men for four years, Hamm, hangovers aside, is very much a different man.

The Guardian - Film

The Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion published a long-term earthquake hazard map where the concept of a characteristic earthquake played a substantial role.

Earth, Planets and Space

In 1989 Bashir ousted Mahdi's government with a military coup, and Turabi, showing a characteristic ability to forge new roles for himself just as his political life seemed over, switched sides to become Bashir's eminence grise.

The Guardian

It was the first report to identify the full-length sequence of poCRIP1 gene, represent a clear characteristic and immunologic role of CRIP1 in domestic animal until now.

Gene

Sponner et al. [37] hypothesized that the hydrophobicity of the C-terminus was a key characteristic for its role in fibroin aggregation.

Plosone

A remarkable characteristic of the role of MSCs in tumour progression is its broad versatility and plasticity.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a characteristic role" to emphasize that the role being described is typical or representative of someone or something. This is especially useful when discussing recurring patterns or expected behaviors.

Common error

Avoid using "a characteristic role" when the role isn't truly representative or defining. Ensure it accurately reflects a recurring pattern or a key aspect of the subject being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a characteristic role" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It is used to describe a role that is typical or defining for a person or entity, as supported by Ludwig. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a characteristic role" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a typical or defining function. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including film, science, and literature. While not exceedingly common, understanding its nuance—emphasizing representativeness—allows for precise communication. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring the role truly reflects a key aspect of the subject. Alternatives like "a typical role" or "a defining role" can provide subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical role

Replaces "characteristic" with "typical", indicating a role that is commonly seen or expected.

a defining role

Emphasizes that the role is key to understanding or identifying someone or something.

a signature role

Suggests that the role is particularly associated with a specific person or entity.

a trademark role

Similar to "signature role", indicating a role that is distinctively linked to someone.

a representative role

Highlights that the role serves as an example or embodiment of something broader.

an expected role

Implies that the role is one that is anticipated or usual in a given context.

a standard role

Indicates that the role is a normal or conventional one.

a familiar role

Suggests that the role is well-known or commonly encountered.

a habitual role

Implies that the role is one that someone frequently or repeatedly assumes.

a customary role

Indicates that the role is in accordance with established practices or traditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a characteristic role" to describe a part or function that is typical or defining of someone or something. For example, "Greg Kinnear is good, as always, in "a characteristic role" of a decent man struggling to locate the truth."

What are some alternatives to "a characteristic role"?

Alternatives include "a typical role", "a defining role", or "a signature role", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a characteristic role"?

While grammatically correct, ensure the context warrants the use of "a characteristic role". It should accurately reflect a typical or defining aspect, not just any role.

What distinguishes "a characteristic role" from "a typical role"?

"A characteristic role" emphasizes that the role is a key feature or aspect, while "a typical role" simply indicates that it is common or expected. The former implies a stronger association with the subject.