a defining part

USAGE SUMMARY

"a defining part" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is a central or essential aspect of something else. For example, "Her intelligence is a defining part of her character."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jokes were not merely Hope's livelihood but a defining part of his identity.

The New Yorker

Eisgruber also talked about making public service a defining part of the Princeton experience.

Princeton University

In addition, it seems to me that they should be revisited as a defining part of his creative process.

The Guardian - Books

But their essential ideological character played a defining part in how the history of the 20th century was written.

Independent

Most people have clear ideas on their nationality and they see it as a defining part of themselves and their identity.

Independent

On the other hand, it's definitely got its own vibe – lots of off-time samples being triggered gives it this unquantized, DIY feel that isn't really a defining part of the Detroit sound at all".

The Guardian - Music

Since the 1970s Mr. Salmona lived in his Torres del Parque residential complex, a defining part of Bogotá's cityscape, with its exposed red brick and subtle curves standing above the Santamaria bullring.

The New York Times - Arts

Its value as a financial asset has been honored by the estate, but its value as an intellectual asset, as a defining part of our century's sense of itself, has been overseen haphazardly.

The New Yorker

You may find that aspects of your identity that you may not have thought about or may have taken for granted here in the United States are now a defining part of who you are in a new environment.

Columbia University

CHIGWELL, ENGLAND — On the opening page of "Barnaby Rudge," Charles Dickens describes the tavern that plays a defining part in that dark novel: "The Maypole was an old building with more gable ends than a lazy man would care to count on a sunny day," he wrote.

The New York Times

His sister, Talia Shire, who appeared in "The Godfather" and its two sequels, was taken aback at his transformation, comparing him to a performer who lands in a defining part: "When you play a role of force, a king or queen, and you have not been by casting or nature that size yet, it suffuses you.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a defining part" to emphasize that a specific aspect is crucial for understanding the essence or identity of something. It adds weight to the characteristic you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "a defining part" in contexts where it is redundant. For example, instead of saying "being polite is a defining part of being courteous", simply state "being polite is courteous".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defining part" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an essential or characteristic element of something. It emphasizes that the identified part is crucial for understanding or defining the whole. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

22%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defining part" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote an essential or characteristic element. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it serves to highlight the significance of a particular aspect in shaping the understanding or perception of a subject. While alternatives like "a key element" or "an essential aspect" exist, "a defining part" specifically emphasizes the role of the aspect in establishing identity. Remember to use this phrase thoughtfully, avoiding redundancy to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key element

Focuses on the importance of being a fundamental component.

an essential aspect

Emphasizes necessity and inseparability.

a crucial component

Highlights the critical nature of the aspect.

a central feature

Stresses the aspect's position at the core.

an integral element

Highlights the element being necessary to make a whole complete.

a characteristic trait

Emphasizes that the trait is representative.

a hallmark

Indicates a distinguishing and recognizable feature.

a signature element

Highlights that this feature is uniquely identifiable.

a fundamental ingredient

Implies that without this ingredient the thing cannot exist.

a building block

Highlights that it is a basic element which contributes to the construction of the whole.

FAQs

How can I use "a defining part" in a sentence?

You can use "a defining part" to highlight an essential aspect of something. For example, "Creativity is "a defining part" of artistic expression".

What are some alternatives to "a defining part"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a key element", "an essential aspect", or "a crucial component" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a defining part of" the same as "a crucial part of"?

While similar, "a defining part" suggests that the aspect helps to characterize or identify something, whereas "a crucial part" simply means the aspect is important or necessary.

When is it best to use "a defining part" over other similar phrases?

Use "a defining part" when you want to emphasize that a particular aspect is not just important, but also helps to establish the unique identity or nature of the subject. It's suitable when the aspect is intrinsically linked to what something is.