a collection of traits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a collection of traits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of characteristics or qualities that someone or something possesses. Example: "Her personality is a collection of traits that make her both approachable and inspiring."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Tarantulas are distinguished from other mygalomorphs by a collection of traits that include not only their size and hairiness but also their two pairs of book lungs and their three-segmented spinnerets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Soderbergh approaches Sawyer merely as a collection of traits that embody the idea of a victim of stalking; she is a character composed solely of pieces that fit the needs of the story (albeit one who is lent a formidable simulacrum of existence by Foy's presence and energetically expressive performance).

The New Yorker

Its characters beg for context and nuance, yet they themselves are merely a collection of traits and histories that they announce to each other.

Huffington Post

More a collection of traits — fading good looks, benevolent masculinity, frustrated creative ambition — Tyler is mostly seen in symbiotic relation to Barrett, who seems willing to sacrifice worldly achievement for the possibility of a complementary love.

Los Angeles Times

GEMOT's input is a collection of traits, genotyping, and molecular data across a population of individuals.

eLife

For example, some drivers may control other drivers, which in turn affect a collection of traits (as exemplified in the case of Klf7 in Figure 3).

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

A phenotype is an outward trait, or a collection of outward traits, that arises from a gene or genes — for example, brown eyes.

The New Yorker

The network operational signature transforms genotypic data (i.e., genomic alterations) to regulatory phenotypic profiles (i.e., regulatory logics/strengths), to cellular phenotypic profiles (i.e., hallmark traits) which lead to clinical phenotypic profiles (i.e., a collection of hallmark traits).

Seminars in Cancer Biology

Notably, some of the resulting modules consisted of multiple traits that are related to the same process, whereas others consisted of a collection of distinct traits.

eLife

Holmes is so memorable because, like later superheroes, he is less a fully developed character than a collection of fascinating traits.

The New York Times - Books

Although Perkus could easily have degenerated, in the hands of a less skillful writer, into a collection of odd traits pasted haphazardly together, Mr. Lethem manages in these pages to make him a palpable and oddly moving figure.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's personality, use "a collection of traits" to provide a comprehensive understanding of their character, encompassing both strengths and weaknesses.

Common error

Be specific when using the phrase "a collection of traits". Avoid vague language; instead, clearly define which traits you are referring to for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a collection of traits" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a group of characteristics, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples, where it describes aspects of tarantulas, characters in literature, and data in scientific studies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a collection of traits" is a grammatically sound and versatile noun phrase used to describe a group of characteristics. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in scientific and news-related content, and it maintains a neutral to formal tone. The analysis shows that this phrase is often used to provide a detailed description, and while it’s not extremely common, it is appropriate for use across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a set of attributes

Replaces 'collection' with 'set', focusing on the ensemble of qualities.

a group of characteristics

Substitutes 'collection' with 'group' and 'traits' with 'characteristics', emphasizing the shared nature of features.

a range of features

Replaces 'collection' with 'range' and 'traits' with 'features', highlighting the diversity within the set.

an array of qualities

Uses 'array' instead of 'collection' and 'qualities' instead of 'traits', suggesting a structured arrangement of positive attributes.

a cluster of properties

Replaces 'collection' with 'cluster' and 'traits' with 'properties', indicating a close grouping of inherent characteristics.

a combination of elements

Broadens the scope to 'elements' instead of specific 'traits', implying a mix of contributing factors.

a composite of aspects

Uses 'composite' to suggest something made of different 'aspects', highlighting the multifaceted nature of the entity.

a compilation of factors

Replaces traits with "factors", to show the element of an entire collection.

an assortment of attributes

Suggests a varied mix of attributes.

a spectrum of qualities

Illustrates a complete range of different qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "a collection of traits" in a sentence?

You can use "a collection of traits" to describe a set of characteristics that define a person, object, or concept. For example, "The success of the project was due to "a collection of traits" including dedication, skill, and teamwork."

What are some alternatives to "a collection of traits"?

Some alternatives include "a set of attributes", "a group of characteristics", or "a range of features", depending on the context.

Is it better to list traits individually or use "a collection of traits"?

It depends on the desired emphasis. Listing traits individually provides specific details, while using "a collection of traits" offers a more general overview. You might say "She has "a collection of traits" that make her a great leader: intelligence, empathy and decisiveness."

Can "a collection of traits" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "a collection of traits" can describe undesirable qualities. For example, "His failure was attributed to "a collection of traits" such as arrogance, stubbornness and lack of preparation."