a characteristic trait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a characteristic trait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific quality or feature that is typical of a person, group, or thing. Example: "Her kindness is a characteristic trait that endears her to everyone she meets."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But "revisionism" has a characteristic trait: it is typically in the business of denying the obvious and uncovering conspiracies.

The New York Times

But, yes, I agree with it having been a characteristic trait of Iraqis living under Saddam — probably necessarily so.

The New Yorker

Our data indicate that the MVA pathway is a characteristic trait of Plantae in general and propose that it was specifically lost in a common ancestor of Chlorophyta.

Gene

First, they have rather a narrow linear range of determination and it is a characteristic trait of urease-based biosensors, which are used in urea assays.

Nanoscale Research Letters

A characteristic trait of mobile interfaces is the utilization of predefined ViewContainers devoted to specific functionalities that are provided at the operating system (including Notifications area and Settings panel).

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

That life with a disability or chronic illness is predictably worse than non-existence is not plausible for most of the defects for which we test notably including Down syndrome, which is the most common target for testing and abortion, and for which a happy disposition is actually a characteristic trait.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It is always inappropriate to use racial slurs, sexist/sexual slurs, or other insulting and derogatory words about any characteristic, trait, or condition of a person.

HuffPost

In addition, the influence of the anxiety as a personality characteristic (trait anxiety) was studied.

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment

Each dinosaur is described by a few characteristic traits, clearly reflected in the unfolding artwork.

The New York Times - Books

The Spaniards' characteristic trait was a certain passiveness.

The New Yorker

There have also been numerous identifications of Nomadic pastoralism in archaeological sites, identified by a prevalence of sheep and goat bones, a lack of grain or grain-processing equipment, very limited architecture showing a set of characteristic traits, a location outside the region's zone of agriculture, and ethnographic analogy to modern nomadic pastoral peoples.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a characteristic trait", ensure it accurately reflects a consistent and identifiable quality of the subject being described.

Common error

Avoid using "a characteristic trait" to describe qualities that are not consistently present or are only observed in specific situations. Doing so can lead to inaccurate or misleading descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a characteristic trait" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a specific attribute that is typical or notable of a person, object, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a characteristic trait" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a typical or defining quality of something. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a versatile expression suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in science and news media. While alternatives such as "a defining feature" or "a distinguishing quality" exist, "a characteristic trait" effectively conveys the essence of a notable attribute. When employing this phrase, ensure that it accurately represents a consistent and identifiable quality to avoid overgeneralization. Its use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and scientific journals underscores its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical attribute

Focuses on the typicality of the attribute.

a defining feature

Emphasizes the feature's role in defining the subject.

a distinguishing quality

Highlights the quality's ability to differentiate.

a hallmark characteristic

Adds a sense of distinction and recognition.

a notable aspect

Emphasizes the aspect's importance or visibility.

a common attribute

Focuses on the commonness of the attribute.

an inherent property

Suggests the property is intrinsic and essential.

a peculiar quality

Highlights the unusual or unique nature of the quality.

a typical feature

Indicates that the feature is commonly observed.

a common characteristic

Highlights the prevalence of the characteristic.

FAQs

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

You can use "a characteristic trait" to describe a notable feature or quality. For example, "Honesty is "a characteristic trait" of successful leaders".

What are some alternatives to "a characteristic trait"?

Alternatives include "a defining feature", "a distinguishing quality", or "a typical attribute" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "characteristic trait" since "trait" already implies a characteristic?

While "trait" does imply a characteristic, using "a characteristic trait" can emphasize that the trait is a notable or defining feature. The phrase is commonly accepted and not considered incorrect.

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

While similar, "a characteristic trait" typically refers to an inherent or consistent quality, whereas "a feature" can refer to any attribute, even if it's not necessarily inherent or defining.