a distinct feature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinct feature" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific quality that sets one thing apart from another. For example: "The large outdoor patio was a distinct feature of the hotel that set it apart from other hotels in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Was this a distinct feature of Thatcher, Britain's only female prime minister?

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, each site does have a distinct feature or two that might to appeal to specialty buyers.

The New York Times - Tech

It will simply blend into the background instead of being seen as a distinct feature.

The Economist

Are not these festivities a distinct feature of the celebrations in Paris?

The New York Times

The use of Mamlūks as a major component of Muslim armies became a distinct feature of Islāmic civilization as early as the 9th century ad.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Altered metabolism is a distinct feature of cancer cells.

Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism

They decrease with loading cycles, a distinct feature of the fatigue process.

Construction and Building Materials

A distinct feature that arises for NCM is a unique combination of high strength and plasticity.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Although each event has a distinct feature, all these events share some common characteristics.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

A distinct feature of PLC is that it reuses the electric power grid.

Academic Press Library in Mobile and Wireless Communications Transmission Techniques for Digital Communications

A distinct feature of digestive ripening is that it can obtain high reproducibility and yield with fine control [15].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a distinct feature", ensure it genuinely differentiates the subject from others in its category. Avoid using it for common or generic attributes.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinct feature" when the characteristic is only slightly different or not particularly significant. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct feature" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a specific attribute that differentiates something from others. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

17%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinct feature" is a versatile phrase used to spotlight a unique or noteworthy attribute. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it serves to emphasize differentiation. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's important to ensure the "feature" is genuinely distinct to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives like "a unique characteristic" or "a defining trait" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique characteristic

Substitutes "distinct" with "unique" and "feature" with "characteristic", highlighting the singularity of the quality.

a special characteristic

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the feature with "special".

a notable characteristic

Uses "notable" to stress that the feature is worthy of attention.

a noteworthy attribute

Replaces "distinct feature" with synonyms that emphasize the notability of the attribute.

a defining trait

Indicates that the feature is essential and helps to identify the subject.

a prominent attribute

Uses "prominent" to indicate that the feature is easily noticeable and important.

a remarkable quality

Emphasizes the outstanding nature of the feature by using "remarkable" and "quality".

a key aspect

Highlights the importance of the feature as a significant part of the whole.

a singular element

Replaces "distinct" with "singular" and "feature" with "element", stressing its uniqueness.

a peculiar trait

Highlights the unusual or odd nature of the feature by using "peculiar".

FAQs

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

You can use "a distinct feature" to highlight a unique or notable aspect of something. For example, "The sensitivity for crustal fluids is a distinct feature of gravity measurement."

What are some alternatives to "a distinct feature"?

You can use alternatives such as "a unique characteristic", "a defining trait", or "a remarkable quality" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very distinct feature"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very distinct feature" can be redundant. "Distinct" already implies a clear differentiation, so "distinctive feature" might be a better choice if you want to emphasize the uniqueness.

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

"A distinct feature" refers to a characteristic that sets something apart, while "a common feature" is one that is shared by many. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of the spectrum of characteristics.