a defining characteristic of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defining characteristic of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a key feature or quality that distinguishes something from others. Example: "The ability to adapt to changing environments is a defining characteristic of successful species."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Auto-mania is a defining characteristic of the country.

The New York Times - Travel

Sex was seen as a defining characteristic of delinquent behaviour.

The Guardian - Books

Police accountability is a defining characteristic of a democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Historical consciousness is a defining characteristic of Confucian thought.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An obsession with bishops is a defining characteristic of Anglicanism, both ancient and modern.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's a defining characteristic of the tax-avoidance culture we're getting a glimpse of.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Conservatives are making transparency a defining characteristic of our future public policy.

The Guardian

Stein's habitual attempt to be bright is a defining characteristic of her life and her art.

The New Yorker

A defining characteristic of video games has long been their high couch-potato quotient.

The New York Times - Magazine

The brutalisation of labour has been a defining characteristic of neoliberal economics.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if it can, this should become a defining characteristic of future public policy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a defining characteristic of" when you want to emphasize a crucial quality that distinguishes something from others. Ensure the characteristic you identify is indeed central to the subject and not merely a superficial trait.

Common error

Avoid using "a defining characteristic of" for trivial or non-essential features. Make sure the attribute you're highlighting truly sets the subject apart and is not a common or minor detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defining characteristic of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, introducing and emphasizing a key quality or attribute that distinguishes a subject. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid and frequently used English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

26%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defining characteristic of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to spotlight a crucial, distinguishing attribute. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable, functioning as a noun phrase modifier that underscores the essence of a subject. It appears most often in news, scientific, and academic contexts, signaling a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure the characteristic is indeed central to the subject. For alternatives, consider "a key attribute of" or "a hallmark of". By paying attention to these nuances, you can effectively leverage this phrase to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key attribute of

Replaces "characteristic" with "attribute", emphasizing a quality or feature.

a central feature of

Substitutes "defining characteristic" with "central feature", highlighting a prominent aspect.

a fundamental aspect of

Emphasizes the basic or essential nature of the characteristic.

an essential element of

Focuses on the necessity of the characteristic to the whole.

a hallmark of

Replaces the phrase with a term that implies a distinctive and recognizable trait.

a distinctive trait of

Highlights the uniqueness and recognizability of the characteristic.

a distinguishing feature of

Emphasizes the ability of the characteristic to differentiate something.

a primary quality of

Highlights the importance and rank of the characteristic.

a signature element of

Conveys that the characteristic is uniquely associated with something.

an inherent property of

Indicates that the characteristic is a natural and inseparable part of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a defining characteristic of" in a sentence?

Use "a defining characteristic of" to introduce a key feature or quality that distinguishes something. For instance, "Adaptability is "a defining characteristic of" successful businesses".

What are some alternatives to saying "a defining characteristic of"?

You can use alternatives like "a key attribute of", "a central feature of", or "a hallmark of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a defining characteristic of" or "a key characteristic of"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a defining characteristic of" emphasizes a more fundamental and distinctive quality compared to "a key characteristic of", which simply highlights an important trait.

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

"A characteristic of" simply indicates a trait or feature, while "a defining characteristic of" specifies a trait that is essential and uniquely identifies the subject. The latter implies greater significance.