a hereditary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hereditary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is passed down through generations, often in the context of titles, traits, or conditions. Example: "He was granted a hereditary title that had been in his family for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is violence a hereditary characteristic?

The New Yorker

The fourth alternative was a hereditary monarchy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It's a hereditary baronetcy," he says.

Independent

Otosclerosis appears to be a hereditary disorder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He ruled Lithuania as a hereditary domain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A hereditary element in society is fantastic.

The Guardian - Arts

A knighthood? Lynton Crosby deserves a hereditary peerage.

Independent

There was never a feudal system, or a hereditary aristocracy.

The Guardian - Books

Chávez complained of disrespect by a hereditary leader.

The Guardian

As Thomas Paine argued three centuries ago, a hereditary ruler makes no more rational sense than a hereditary dentist.

The Guardian - Opinion

She added that "as a hereditary monarch, I'm happy that she keeps her opinions to herself".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical conditions, clarify whether the condition is confirmed to be genetically inherited or simply observed across generations. This distinction is crucial for accurate health communication.

Common error

Avoid using "hereditary" interchangeably with "congenital". "Hereditary" specifically means genetically passed down, while "congenital" means present from birth, regardless of genetic origin.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hereditary" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is genetically transmitted or inherited through family lines. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it modifies terms like "condition", "title", or "disease", emphasizing the inherited nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hereditary" serves as an adjective indicating genetic inheritance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse domains, especially in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects genetic transmission, differentiating it from traits or conditions merely observed across generations. Related phrases include “an inherited”, “a genetic”, and “a familial”. Consider that the most common error is to confuse "hereditary" with "congenital". Be precise in the language to avoid misconceptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heritable

Synonymous with hereditary, but with a more formal or scientific tone.

an inherited

Focuses on the act of receiving something from a predecessor, applicable to traits or possessions.

a genetic

Specifically refers to inheritance through genes, most often in a medical or scientific context.

a familial

Highlights the role of the family in passing something down.

a congenital

Indicates a condition present from birth, which may or may not be hereditary.

a transgenerational

Emphasizes inheritance across multiple generations.

an ancestral

Links inheritance to ancestors, often implying a longer lineage.

a bloodline

Suggests a direct line of descent, often used for titles or noble families.

a pedigree

Relates to a recorded ancestry, useful in breeding or tracing family histories.

a lineage

Similar to bloodline, referring to ancestry and descent.

FAQs

How can I use "a hereditary" in a sentence?

You can use "a hereditary" to describe traits, conditions, or titles that are passed down through generations. For example, "He has "a hereditary condition" that affects his vision" or "She inherited "a hereditary title" from her father".

What's the difference between "a hereditary" and "an inherited" trait?

While both relate to traits passed down, "hereditary" implies a genetic basis, while "inherited" is broader and can include non-genetic factors. Using "a hereditary" trait suggests it's genetically encoded, whereas "an inherited" trait simply means it was received from ancestors. For example, consider using "a genetic trait" instead.

Which is correct, "a hereditary" disease or "an inherited" disease?

Both are technically correct, but "a hereditary" disease more accurately conveys that the disease is caused by genetic mutations passed down through generations. "An inherited" disease can sometimes imply non-genetic transmission, though it's often used interchangeably. It's similar to "a genetic disease".

When is it appropriate to use "a hereditary" in writing?

Use "a hereditary" when you want to emphasize the genetic transmission of a trait, condition, or title. It is particularly appropriate in scientific, medical, or genealogical contexts where precise terminology is important. Otherwise, consider "an inherited" or "a familial".