a common characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common characteristic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a trait or feature that is shared by multiple subjects or items. Example: "One common characteristic of successful leaders is their ability to communicate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These four compounds have a common characteristic: they may act as topoisomerase II poisons.

BMC Genomics

Crossing of parts is a common characteristic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a common characteristic of urban myths.

The Guardian - Music

All of these advisors share a common characteristic.

Harvard Business Review

This is a common characteristic of self-organizing systems.

Harvard Business Review

It is a common characteristic of all sub.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Then again, this is a common characteristic of manifestoes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Such nebulas are a common characteristic of pulsars.

Harvard University

The countries share a common characteristic: a growing economy.

The New York Times

Environmental inequalities are a common characteristic of urban areas.

Applied Geography

That was a common characteristic of earlier recessions in the postwar years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common characteristic" when you want to emphasize that multiple entities or items share a notable trait, feature, or quality. Be specific about the entities and characteristics being described for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a common characteristic" without providing specific examples or details. Overgeneralizing can weaken your argument and leave the reader unsure of what you're actually describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common characteristic" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a trait or feature shared among multiple entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

28%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Unknown/unmatched sources

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common characteristic" is a frequently used phrase to denote a shared trait among multiple entities, verified as correct by Ludwig AI. Its versatility is evident across various fields, particularly in science, news, and academia. While grammatically sound, it's best used with specific examples to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "a shared attribute" or "a typical feature" can provide nuanced variations, but it is important to notice that "a defining characteristic", is not a good alternative. To make the most of this phrase, it's crucial to provide context and avoid vague statements. Ludwig's examples clearly show its effectiveness in analytical and comparative discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared attribute

Focuses on the aspect of being shared among multiple entities.

a typical feature

Highlights the aspect of being representative or standard.

a prevalent trait

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the characteristic.

a widespread quality

Highlights the broad distribution of the quality.

a recurring element

Stresses the repeated occurrence of the element.

a unifying aspect

Highlights the characteristic's ability to bring things together.

a general property

Focuses on the broad applicability of the property.

a familiar attribute

Emphasizes the well-known nature of the attribute.

a usual element

Highlights that it's something regularly encountered.

a hallmark trait

Highlights something distinctive and easily recognizable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common characteristic" to highlight a shared trait among multiple subjects. For example, "A common characteristic of successful entrepreneurs is their resilience".

What can I say instead of "a common characteristic"?

You can use alternatives like "a shared attribute", "a typical feature", or "a prevalent trait" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "common characteristic"?

While "characteristic" inherently implies a distinguishing quality, using "a common characteristic" emphasizes that the trait is shared among multiple entities, making the usage acceptable and often helpful for clarity.

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

"A common characteristic" indicates a trait shared by several members of a group. "A defining characteristic", on the other hand, is a trait that uniquely identifies a particular entity, distinguishing it from others.