a key attribute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key attribute" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an important characteristic or quality of something. Example: "One key attribute of successful leaders is their ability to communicate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clearly, a key attribute for inspectors is the ability to ask pertinent questions.

The Guardian - Money

Lots of them now offer courses on ethics, surely a key attribute of professionalism.

The Economist

But for full-time chamber groups, consistent chemistry is a key attribute.

The New York Times - Arts

A key attribute when he was appointed captain of South Africa was that he had never met Hansie Cronje.

The Guardian - Sport

But the reaction of business, at a local and corporate level, points to the way diversity and tolerance is now considered a key attribute.

The Guardian

Talking an inspirational game is, it would seem, a key attribute for a contemporary film-maker, and Vinterberg is something of a master at it.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Groman's experience in Washington was also a key attribute, Mr. Gratchner said, adding that the group was looking for "someone who also knew Washington as well.

The New York Times

"Elegance was a key attribute of the courtly natural philosopher".

BBC

As such, consistency is a key attribute of coding.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Solutions having various requirements for labeled and unlabeled data are also presented as a key attribute.

Journal of Big Data

The ability to represent numbers is a key attribute for both humans and animals.

Neural Networks

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key attribute", ensure that the attribute you are describing is genuinely significant and directly relevant to the subject. Avoid overusing the phrase by varying your language with synonyms like "essential characteristic" or "crucial feature".

Common error

Avoid using "a key attribute" to describe minor or insignificant characteristics. This can dilute the impact of your writing and mislead your audience about the true importance of the attribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key attribute" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an essential or important quality of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. The phrase serves to highlight the significance of a specific characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key attribute" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to highlight an essential characteristic or feature. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, although particularly prevalent in scientific and journalistic writing. While the phrase is common, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that the attribute truly warrants the designation of 'key'. Alternatives such as "a crucial feature" or "an essential characteristic" can add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial feature

Replaces 'attribute' with 'feature', emphasizing an essential aspect.

an essential characteristic

Substitutes 'key' with 'essential' and 'attribute' with 'characteristic', highlighting a fundamental quality.

a significant property

Uses 'significant' instead of 'key' and 'property' instead of 'attribute', denoting an important quality.

a vital component

Replaces 'attribute' with 'component', suggesting an integral part.

a primary trait

Substitutes 'key' with 'primary' and 'attribute' with 'trait', emphasizing a main characteristic.

a notable quality

Uses 'notable' instead of 'key' and 'quality' instead of 'attribute', indicating a remarkable aspect.

a defining characteristic

Highlights that the characteristic helps define something.

a central element

Replaces 'attribute' with 'element', suggesting a core aspect.

a major aspect

Uses 'major' instead of 'key' and 'aspect' instead of 'attribute', denoting an important part.

an important factor

Shifts focus to something that contributes to a result or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "a key attribute" in a sentence?

Use "a key attribute" to highlight an important characteristic or feature of something. For example, "Adaptability is "a key attribute" for success in a rapidly changing environment."

What are some alternatives to "a key attribute"?

You can use alternatives like "an essential characteristic", "a crucial feature", or "a significant property" depending on the context. See more at "a crucial feature".

Is it better to say "key attribute" or "important attribute"?

"Key attribute" and "important attribute" are often interchangeable, but "key attribute" suggests that the attribute is fundamental or essential, while "important attribute" simply indicates that it is significant.

What makes something "a key attribute"?

A "key attribute" is a characteristic or feature that is essential, fundamental, or highly significant to the nature, function, or success of something. It is often a defining factor.