a common feature

USAGE SUMMARY

"a common feature" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is shared among multiple things, is often encountered, or is typical. For example: The cafe's use of organic and locally-sourced ingredients is a common feature of their menu.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Breakup fees have long been a common feature in mergers.

The New York Times

Today, the pineapple is a common feature in France.

Princeton University

Fibroblast outgrowth is a common feature of primary cell culture.

Nature

Hypoxia is a common feature of the tumor microenvironment.

Nature

Unpleasant surprises were a common feature of bad reviews.

Independent

Tennis courts are a common feature.

BBC

Foot deformity is a common feature.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

UNLABELLED: Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors.

Duke University

It is a common feature in rivals' handsets.

BBC

A common feature of Ebola epidemics is stigma.

BBC

"Consistency is hardly a common feature of this administration.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common feature", ensure the context clearly identifies the set of items or situations among which the feature is common. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a common feature" without specifying what the feature is common among. For example, instead of saying 'High prices are a common feature', specify 'High prices are a common feature of luxury goods'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common feature" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes an attribute, element, or characteristic that is shared among members of a group or category.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a common feature" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote a shared or typical characteristic among a group of items or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across diverse contexts, especially science, news and wiki sources. When using the phrase, clarity is paramount: specify the group among which the feature is common to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "a shared characteristic" or "a typical element" to refine your meaning. Remember that while "a common feature" indicates prevalence, a "defining feature" highlights uniqueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared characteristic

Emphasizes the sharing aspect of the characteristic, highlighting that it's possessed by multiple entities.

a typical element

Focuses on the element being representative and frequently encountered.

a frequent attribute

Highlights the high occurrence rate of the attribute.

a usual component

Indicates that the component is standard and expected.

a recurring aspect

Stresses the repeated appearance of the aspect.

a prevalent trait

Highlights the widespread presence of the trait.

a general property

Focuses on the widespread possession of the property.

a familiar pattern

Emphasizes the recognizability and established nature of the pattern.

a widespread occurrence

Focuses on the broad distribution of the occurrence.

a regular phenomenon

Indicates the consistent and predictable nature of the phenomenon.

FAQs

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

Use "a common feature" to indicate a characteristic shared by multiple items or situations. For instance, "High levels of security are "a common feature" of modern banking apps."

What are some alternatives to "a common feature"?

You can use alternatives like "a shared characteristic", "a typical element", or "a frequent attribute" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'a common feature of' something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The preposition 'of' is typically used to connect "a common feature" to the group or category where the feature is prevalent. For example: "Simplicity is "a common feature" of minimalist design."

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

"A common feature" indicates something that is frequently found within a group, while "a defining feature" is a characteristic that is essential or unique to something, setting it apart from others.