a core feature of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a core feature of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an essential or fundamental characteristic of something, often in a technical or analytical context. Example: "User-friendliness is a core feature of this software, making it accessible to a wider audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia.

Psychiatry Research

Working memory deficits are a core feature of schizophrenia.

Neuropsychologia

Subscriber figures are also a core feature of quarterly earnings reports.

The New York Times

A core feature of Amazon's approach has been called "purposeful Darwinism".

The Guardian - Opinion

A core feature of the logging system was how it handled the data input.

Cornell University

Scholarly activity in the creative and performing arts should be a core feature of the Center.

Princeton University

Indigenization is a core feature of the values of our party: freedom, equality, peace".

The New York Times

Furthermore, a core feature of MWRE is explicit support for full-ahead scheduling and enactment.

Future Generation Computer Systems

Moreover, neurocognitive deficits are a core feature of BD, and are also related to CVRFs.

Journal of Affective Disorders

Intrusive memories of traumatic events constitute a core feature of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry

Deficits in visual processing are now recognized as a core feature of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a core feature of" when you want to emphasize that something is an essential and fundamental part of a concept, system, or entity. It conveys that without this feature, the subject would be incomplete or significantly altered.

Common error

Avoid using "a core feature of" in overly casual or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or academic in contexts where simpler language would be more appropriate. Consider using alternatives like "a key part of" or "an important element of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a core feature of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces and emphasizes the essential qualities or characteristics of a particular subject. It is frequently used to highlight fundamental aspects, as shown in Ludwig's examples regarding schizophrenia and Linux.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

28%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a core feature of" is a common phrase used to emphasize the fundamental and essential aspects of a subject. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal contexts, particularly in scientific, academic, and news-related writing. Its function is to define and highlight significance. While it is highly useful in such settings, be mindful of overuse in informal contexts where simpler alternatives may be more suitable. Common synonyms include "a central characteristic of" and "a fundamental element of", providing writers with options to vary their language while maintaining clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central characteristic of

Emphasizes the centrality of the characteristic rather than just its fundamentality.

a fundamental element of

Highlights the elemental and foundational nature of the aspect.

a key component of

Focuses on the aspect as a building block or integral part.

an essential aspect of

Underscores the necessity and importance of the aspect.

an integral part of

Stresses the completeness that the aspect brings to the whole.

a primary attribute of

Highlights the aspect as a distinctive and inherent quality.

a defining characteristic of

Suggests that the aspect is crucial for identifying and understanding the subject.

a basic element of

Emphasizes the simplicity and foundational nature of the aspect.

a crucial factor of

Highlights the importance and decisiveness of the aspect.

a vital ingredient of

Emphasizes the indispensability of the aspect to the whole.

FAQs

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

Use "a core feature of" to highlight an essential or fundamental characteristic. For example, "User-friendliness is "a core feature of" this software making it accessible to a wider audience."

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

You can use alternatives like "a fundamental aspect of", "a key element of", or "an essential component of" depending on the context.

Is "a core feature of" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a core feature of" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic or technical contexts where precise and descriptive language is valued. It clearly conveys that something is an essential characteristic.

What distinguishes "a core feature of" from "an important feature of"?

"A core feature of" implies that the feature is fundamental and indispensable, while "an important feature of" simply means that the feature is significant but not necessarily essential. The former carries a stronger emphasis on necessity.