a few hallmarks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few hallmarks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to distinctive features or characteristics that are typical of a particular person, thing, or concept. Example: "The artist's work displays a few hallmarks of the Impressionist style, such as vibrant colors and loose brushwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I think it has a few hallmarks of worship – we turn off parts of our brain, we somehow feel like it's not our duty, not our right to question this".

The Guardian - Books

In each case, a few hallmarks of corporate leadership stand out.

Forbes

The Gear S has a few hallmarks that set it apart from the crowd, however, including a curved Super AMOLED display, which has a 2-inch diagonal measurement and 360×480 resolution, and a built-in 3G modem, which can let the wearable receive notification and messages, and even make and receive calls without any smartphone involved.

TechCrunch

However, a few hallmarks are apparent.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Yet the "John Paul II bishops" who came to power in the 1980s and beyond saw Bernardin's style and views as too accommodating, and too reluctant to mount the barricades on behalf of a more assertive Catholic identity marked by a few hallmark issues rather than a spectrum of teachings.

Huffington Post

Cardiac involvement in primary mitochondrial disease is surprisingly uncommon and limited to a few hallmark conditions.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

Maybe country music could use a few new hallmarks.

The New York Times - Magazine

The paradox of carcinogenesis has been now simplified into few hallmarks by unravelling the gene-environment interactions.

BioMed Research International

Checkerboard floors, bright purple walls and a gothic iron bed are a few of the hallmarks that differentiate the seven spacious suites.

The Guardian - Travel

He and a small staff occupy the British Embassy, which still bears a few of the hallmarks of Britain's days as a empire: a hand-crafted dining room table and paintings of British kings and queens.

The New York Times

In contrast Allardyce would have been temporarily encouraged by the albeit fragile sense that Sunderland were, at long last, beginning to bear a few of the hallmarks traditionally associated with his teams.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something with "a few hallmarks", be specific about which characteristics you're referring to. Providing examples enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

While acceptable, "a few hallmarks" can sound somewhat informal. In highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "several key attributes" or "a number of distinguishing features" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few hallmarks" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a direct object or subject complement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to identify notable characteristics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66.66%

Science

33.33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few hallmarks" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves to point out several key characteristics. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain situations. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as science-related content. While generally neutral, careful consideration should be given to the context to determine the most appropriate phrasing. Remember to be specific when listing the hallmarks to provide clarity. Top sources include The Guardian, Forbes, and TechCrunch.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several defining traits

Emphasizes specific qualities that define something, altering the quantity and emphasizing definition.

some key attributes

Highlights important qualities or characteristics, swapping "hallmarks" for "attributes" and adjusting the adjective.

a handful of distinguishing features

Implies a small number of notable aspects, replacing 'few' with 'handful' for a slightly different nuance.

a limited number of characteristics

Focuses on the restricted quantity of features, changing the adjective and noun.

certain typical elements

Indicates common or representative aspects, altering both the adjective and the noun to describe typical components.

a couple of notable aspects

Suggests two significant elements, changing the quantity and the noun.

various signature qualities

Highlights distinctive and recognizable traits, replacing "hallmarks" with "qualities" and using 'signature' for emphasis.

select prominent indicators

Focuses on leading signs or signals, substituting the noun and modifying the adjective to emphasize prominence.

several notable identifiers

Highlights items that identify something, changing the noun and quantity.

some representative signs

Indicates typical or characteristic indicators, modifying both the adjective and noun.

FAQs

How can I use "a few hallmarks" in a sentence?

You can use "a few hallmarks" to point out some key and distinct traits of something. For instance, "The project displayed "a few hallmarks" of successful innovation".

What are some alternatives to saying "a few hallmarks"?

Instead of "a few hallmarks", you might use phrases like "several key attributes", "some distinctive traits", or "certain typical elements" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "few hallmarks" or "a few hallmarks"?

"Few hallmarks" suggests there are hardly any notable characteristics, which could be interpreted negatively. "A few hallmarks" indicates there are some, which is generally more positive and informative.

What does "a few hallmarks" imply about the subject?

Using "a few hallmarks" suggests that the subject has identifiable and noteworthy characteristics, although not an extensive number of them. It implies a limited but recognizable set of defining features.