a given character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a given character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific character that has been previously mentioned or is understood in the context. Example: "In the story, a given character faces numerous challenges that test their resolve."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Character states distinguish different variations of a given character.

University of California, Berkeley

The ctype isXXX functions classify a given character ch as alphabetic, punctuation, etc.

Stanford University

NFAs allow any number of transitions from a state on a given character.

Cornell University

In this FSM-oriented game, a given character can perform four basic actions in response to possible situations: aid, evade, wander and attack.

Harvard University

These two functions search a string for a given character and returns a pointer to first occurrence found, or NULL if not found.

Stanford University

They won't use licenses, seeing them as a short-term growth strategy relying on the ephemeral popularity of a given character.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

We were given characters and a world that already suited our self-image.

Vice

It adds a certain bitterness and gives character to the mixture.

The New York Times - Food

"Giving character to a group of blossoms is more difficult than a single flower," she says.

The New York Times

A lot of people go to thrift shops looking for unusual items to give character to an outfit.

Forbes

In the case of a book, give characters different voices.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a given character", ensure the context clearly establishes which character you are referring to. Lack of clarity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a given character" without providing sufficient context or prior introduction. Instead, specify the character's name or role to prevent ambiguity and ensure the reader understands who you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a given character" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, specifying a particular character under consideration. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is often used to refer to a specific entity within a broader context, such as a story, game, or scientific study.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a given character" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to refer to a specific character or entity within a defined context. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to specify a particular individual or element for analysis or discussion. The phrase finds common usage across diverse fields such as science, news media, and academia, displaying a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. Alternatives like "a specific character" or "a particular character" can be used to add nuance or emphasis. Ensure clear context to avoid ambiguity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific character

Replaces "given" with "specific", emphasizing the character's defined and particular nature.

a particular character

Uses "particular" instead of "given", highlighting the character's distinctiveness within a larger group.

a certain character

Substitutes "given" with "certain", implying a known but perhaps unspecified character.

a designated character

Replaces "given" with "designated", suggesting the character was intentionally chosen or assigned.

a selected character

Uses "selected" in place of "given", implying the character was chosen from a set of possibilities.

a named character

Replaces "given" with "named", indicating the character has a specific name or identifier.

the character in question

Emphasizes that the character is the one currently being discussed or examined.

the aforementioned character

Highlights that the character has been previously mentioned.

the character under consideration

Formally indicates that the character is being evaluated or discussed.

the character at hand

Suggests the character is the immediate focus of attention.

FAQs

How can I use "a given character" in a sentence?

Use "a given character" to refer to a specific character that has already been introduced or is understood within the context of the discussion. For example, "The motivations of "a given character" are often complex and multifaceted".

What are some alternatives to "a given character"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific character", "a particular character", or "a certain character" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a given character" or "the character"?

The choice depends on the context. "The character" implies there is only one character being discussed, while ""a given character"" refers to one character out of several or one that's predetermined in a dataset or sample.

What does "a given character" mean in evolutionary biology?

In evolutionary biology, ""a given character"" refers to a specific trait or feature of an organism that is being studied in the context of phylogenetic analysis or evolutionary change. The goal is often to understand how a specific character evolved across different species or lineages.