a fundamental characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental characteristic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an essential quality or trait that defines something. Example: "Honesty is a fundamental characteristic of a trustworthy leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A fundamental characteristic of libertarian thinking is a deep skepticism of government power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indeed, a fundamental characteristic of a tumour cell is that it begets a tumour cell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cell fusion is a fundamental characteristic of the mammalian placenta but also, it turns out, of endogenous retroviruses.

The New Yorker

There is, however, increasing evidence that escape from immune control is a fundamental characteristic of most tumours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Irony, yes; but irony is a fundamental characteristic of a Christian perspective on human existence, so part of saintliness, not opposed to it.

The Guardian

Perhaps the injunction he sent to a young man who had written asking for guidance about life points to a fundamental characteristic of Berlin as a letter-writer: "Do not do anything that bores you".

The Guardian - Books

On one hand, its lack of uniqueness is a fundamental characteristic, part of its originality; on the other hand, the sense of exclusive ownership that uniqueness bestows is what collectors and investors typically want.

The New York Times - Arts

This effect is a fundamental characteristic of flexible displays.

Nanoscale Research Letters

For Maritain, freedom is a fundamental characteristic of the human person.

SEP

Curvature is a fundamental characteristic of curves in differential geometry, as well as in discrete geometry.

Advances in Difference Equations

Collaboration, irrespective of kind, is a fundamental characteristic of human societies.

Triple Helix

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fundamental characteristic" to introduce an essential, defining quality of a subject or concept. It's most effective when followed by a clear explanation or example that illustrates this quality.

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental characteristic" for qualities that are obvious or trivial. Instead, reserve it for traits that are integral to understanding the subject's core nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental characteristic" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement to identify or describe an essential quality or attribute. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its role in defining key aspects of various subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fundamental characteristic" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase to denote an essential or defining quality. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is used across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources. It's crucial to reserve its use for traits genuinely integral to the subject's core nature, avoiding overuse in simple descriptions. Consider using synonyms like "a key feature" or "an essential attribute" for variety and precision. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential attribute

Replaces "characteristic" with "attribute" and "fundamental" with "essential", emphasizing the inherent quality.

a key feature

Substitutes "fundamental characteristic" with "key feature", highlighting a prominent aspect.

a defining trait

Replaces "characteristic" with "trait" and "fundamental" with "defining", focusing on qualities that determine identity.

a core property

Substitutes "characteristic" with "property" and "fundamental" with "core", emphasizing essential qualities.

an intrinsic quality

Replaces "fundamental characteristic" with "intrinsic quality", focusing on inherent aspects.

an inherent element

Replaces "fundamental characteristic" with "inherent element", highlighting the essential part.

a basic aspect

Substitutes "fundamental" with "basic" and "characteristic" with "aspect", focusing on the foundational elements.

a primary attribute

Replaces "fundamental" with "primary" and "characteristic" with "attribute", emphasizing importance.

a central component

Replaces "fundamental characteristic" with "central component", focusing on key parts.

a crucial element

Replaces "fundamental characteristic" with "crucial element", stressing necessity.

FAQs

How can I use "a fundamental characteristic" in a sentence?

Use "a fundamental characteristic" to introduce an essential quality or trait. For instance, "Adaptability is "a fundamental characteristic" of a resilient system".

What's a good alternative to "a fundamental characteristic"?

Alternatives include "a key feature", "a defining trait", or "an essential attribute", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "fundamental characteristic"?

While "fundamental" and "characteristic" can sometimes overlap in meaning, using them together emphasizes that the trait is essential and foundational. The phrase is widely accepted and used.

What distinguishes "a fundamental characteristic" from "a typical characteristic"?

"A fundamental characteristic" refers to an essential, defining trait, whereas "a typical characteristic" refers to a common but not necessarily essential trait. One describes the core nature, and the other describes a common feature.