a key feature

USAGE SUMMARY

"a key feature" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something important or essential, especially in a technical or business context. For example: "Usability was a key feature of the product design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Body odour is also a key feature.

The Guardian

We think that's a key feature.

The Guardian

"We've kept bulk-billing as a key feature," Dutton said.

The Guardian

It's also a key feature of mental health.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Collaboration is a key feature of the Department of Medicine.

Stanford University

A key feature of the foundation degree landscape is flexibility.

Independent

That's been a key feature of the US market.

The Economist

A key feature of an independent contractor relationship is autonomy.

The New York Times - Tech

It is a key feature for EAST research.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Impulsivity is a key feature of numerous psychiatric disorders.

The European Journal of Psychiatry

Infrastructure networks are a key feature of an economy.

Games and Economic Behavior

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a key feature" to clearly identify and emphasize the most important aspects of a product, concept, or process. This helps the audience focus on what matters most.

Common error

Avoid using "a key feature" repeatedly in a single text. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "significant aspect", "important element", or "crucial component" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key feature" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies and emphasizes a particularly important attribute or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to highlight essential aspects across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

45%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key feature" is a commonly used phrase that emphasizes the importance of a specific attribute or characteristic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig's examples showcase its prevalence across news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure it clearly highlights what is most essential and consider varying your language to avoid repetition. Alternatives such as "significant attribute" or "crucial component" can provide nuanced emphasis while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant attribute

Replaces 'feature' with 'attribute' and 'key' with 'significant', focusing on importance.

a notable aspect

Uses 'aspect' instead of 'feature' and 'notable' instead of 'key', emphasizing visibility.

an important element

Substitutes 'feature' with 'element' and 'key' with 'important', highlighting necessity.

a crucial component

Replaces 'feature' with 'component' and 'key' with 'crucial', stressing indispensability.

a central characteristic

Changes 'feature' to 'characteristic' and 'key' to 'central', indicating core quality.

a primary quality

Emphasizes that the feature is a fundamental aspect.

a defining trait

Highlights that the feature is what distinguishes something.

an essential ingredient

Implies the feature is necessary for something to function or be complete.

a fundamental attribute

Uses synonymous adjectives to convey importance.

a core element

Highlights the feature's place at the center of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key feature" to highlight an important aspect. For example, "Usability is "a key feature" of this software."

What are some alternatives to "a key feature"?

Alternatives include "a significant attribute", "a notable aspect", or "an important element".

When is it appropriate to use "a key feature"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of a particular attribute or characteristic. Use it in contexts where highlighting essential aspects is crucial.

Is there a difference between "a key feature" and "a main feature"?

While similar, "a key feature" implies a greater level of importance or necessity compared to "a main feature". "A key feature" is essential, while a main feature is simply prominent.