a constant feature of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a constant feature of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is consistently present or recurring in a particular context or situation. Example: "The changing seasons are a constant feature of life in temperate climates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Corruption scandals are a constant feature of Brazilian politics.

The New Yorker

Anaemia is a constant feature of the disease.

Acta Tropica

In Bush's telling, the non-decision decision is a constant feature of his Presidential policymaking.

The New Yorker

Our awareness of time and temporal properties is a constant feature of conscious life.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

People-smuggling is a constant feature of times of conflict; so is treason.

Independent

Indeed, the country's diversity is a constant feature of Mr Gilmour's book.

The Economist

Since colour is a characteristic of all building materials, it is a constant feature of architecture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From Otherwise Engaged on, a constant feature of Gray's work is the sheer pleasure in telling jokes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Recrimination over apologies has been a constant feature of relations between Japan and its East Asian neighbors for decades.

The New York Times

Given they travelled so extensively, the leg and the discomfort must have been a constant feature of the children's lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"High seriousness with an undercurrent of irony is a constant feature of Brazilian art, literature, cinema and even music".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a constant feature of", ensure that the subject you are describing truly exhibits a consistent and recurring presence in the given context. Avoid using it for elements that appear sporadically or are subject to frequent change.

Common error

Avoid using "a constant feature of" to describe elements that are merely frequent or common, but not truly consistent. This can exaggerate the stability and predictability of the subject, leading to inaccurate or misleading descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a constant feature of" functions as a modifier, specifically as a noun phrase, that attributes a quality of consistent presence or recurrence to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a constant feature of" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe attributes or elements that are consistently present within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms that it's appropriate for describing consistent elements.

It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. However, it's important to avoid overstating consistency and using the phrase when the feature is only common but not truly constant. Related phrases like "a recurring characteristic of" or "a consistent element of" can be used as alternatives, depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to use this phrase when you need to emphasize the consistent presence of a feature and avoid exaggerating the stability of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring characteristic of

Replaces 'constant feature' with 'recurring characteristic', emphasizing the repetitive nature of the characteristic.

a consistent element of

Replaces 'constant feature' with 'consistent element', focusing on the unchanging nature of the element.

a persistent attribute of

Substitutes 'constant feature' with 'persistent attribute', highlighting the enduring quality of the attribute.

a regular aspect of

Substitutes 'constant feature' with 'regular aspect', stressing the predictable presence of the aspect.

an enduring trait of

Replaces 'constant feature' with 'enduring trait', emphasizing the lasting nature of the trait.

a defining characteristic of

Replaces "constant feature" with "defining characteristic", emphasizing that it is key to understanding something.

a permanent fixture of

Substitutes 'constant feature' with 'permanent fixture', highlighting something that is firmly established and unlikely to change.

an inherent quality of

Replaces "constant feature" with "inherent quality", focusing on a fundamental and intrinsic aspect.

a typical element in

Substitutes "constant feature" with "typical element", emphasizing the expected and common nature of the element.

a hallmark of

Replaces "constant feature" with "hallmark", indicating a distinguishing characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "a constant feature of" in a sentence?

Use "a constant feature of" to describe something that is consistently present or recurring in a particular context. For instance, "High staff turnover is "a constant feature of" the retail industry".

What are some alternatives to "a constant feature of"?

You can use alternatives like "a recurring characteristic of", "a consistent element of", or "a regular aspect of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a constant feature of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a constant feature of" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts, as it clearly and precisely describes something that is consistently present.

What is the difference between "a constant feature of" and "a common feature of"?

"A constant feature of" implies something that is always present or recurring, while "a common feature of" suggests something that is frequently, but not necessarily always, present. For example, political debate is "a constant feature of" democratic societies, whereas corruption scandals are "a common feature of" Brazilian politics.