a key feature of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a key feature of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce an important aspect or characteristic of something being discussed. Example: "A key feature of the new smartphone is its high-resolution camera, which allows for stunning photos and videos."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A key feature of the foundation degree landscape is flexibility.

Independent

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

The Economist

Electrical generation and supply will also be a key feature of your degree.

The Guardian

Corbyn's unilateralist and anti-military intervention beliefs were a key feature of his leadership campaign.

The Guardian

A key feature of Chinese is its astonishing number of homophones.

The New Yorker

Redemption is a key feature of a number of characters in The Wire.

The Guardian

The internecine feud between the two was a key feature of the gripping middle seasons.

The Guardian - Sport

A key feature of the readings will be the special events taking place after each performance.

The Guardian

A key feature of this relationship is the revolving door between BP and government.

The Guardian

A key feature of ADHD is marked variability and inconsistency in performance.

The Guardian

These "third-party transfers" are a key feature of the Giuliani administration's housing policy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key feature of", ensure that the feature you are highlighting is indeed a defining or important aspect of the subject you're discussing. Avoid using it for trivial or minor details.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "a key feature of". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key feature of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or appositive. As supported by Ludwig, it identifies and emphasizes a particularly important or defining characteristic of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key feature of" is a widely used phrase to emphasize an important or defining characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and prevalent across diverse sources, from scientific journals to news articles. When writing, it is crucial to ensure the highlighted feature is indeed significant and to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Alternatives include phrases like "a primary characteristic of" or "an essential aspect of". Keep in mind it's better to use synonyms sparingly to improve writing appeal. Overall, this phrase serves to highlight and draw attention to the most crucial elements of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary characteristic of

Focuses on a main characteristic rather than just a feature.

a central element of

Emphasizes the element's centrality and importance.

an essential aspect of

Highlights the necessity and importance of the aspect.

a defining attribute of

Stresses that the attribute helps define the subject.

a crucial component of

Indicates that the component is vital and important.

a significant trait of

Emphasizes the significance of the trait.

a notable aspect of

Highlights that the aspect is worthy of attention.

a major component of

Stresses that the element is one of the bigger parts of something.

an important property of

Focuses on the inherent properties of the thing being described.

a prominent characteristic of

Emphasizes that this is a noticeable characteristic of something

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a key feature of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "an essential aspect of", "a defining attribute of", or "a crucial component of". These alternatives convey importance with a slightly more elevated vocabulary.

What are some synonyms for "a key feature of" that I can use in academic writing?

In academic contexts, you might use synonyms such as "a central element of", "a primary characteristic of", or "a significant trait of". These phrases emphasize the importance and relevance of the aspect being discussed in a scholarly manner.

How does "a key feature of" differ from "a minor detail of"?

"A key feature of" emphasizes an important and defining aspect, while "a minor detail of" highlights something less significant or essential. The former is crucial for understanding the subject, while the latter is peripheral.

Is it correct to say "a key features of" instead of "a key feature of"?

No, "a key feature of" is the correct singular form when referring to one specific feature. "A key features of" is grammatically incorrect. Use "key features of" for multiple features.