a list of traits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a list of traits" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a collection of characteristics or qualities that describe a person, object, or concept. Example: "In her presentation, she provided a list of traits that define a good leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I recommend that you make a list of traits that everyone in your company must possess.

The New York Times

First on a list of traits that tend to annoy others, interestingly, is that of being constantly annoyed.

The New York Times - Health

My childhood best friend just got engaged, and while going through our fifth-grade notes for anything speech-worthy, I found a list of traits I desired in a boyfriend at age 12: Gray eyes.

The New York Times

Envy is established as one of the seven deadly sins - hardly a list of traits that we celebrate.

Huffington Post

Nevertheless, despite the difficulty of pinning down what's inside and what's outside these porous, ever-mutating categories, you can more or less set out a list of traits.

Vice

If they focus on listening, it's usually for a small portion of the class - and not on as comprehensive a list of traits as listed above.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

AGCN ratios were measured on a FlashEA 1112 Elemental Analyzer (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA).. See Table 2 for a list of trait values for each species.

Plosone

To orient all traits in the same direction with respect to plant performance, some traits (e.g. herbivore damage) were multiplied by a factor of −1 (Table S1 for a list of reoriented traits).

Evolutionary Applications

Her haters would have just as easy a time coming up with a list of negative traits they might claim define her.

The Guardian

In this weekend's Your Money column, I tick off a list of character traits that many doctors share that may cause them financial harm.

The New York Times

One day, before homeroom, he wrote the heading "First Class Jerk" on the blackboard behind his desk, along with a list of defining traits, and Ralph Lewis raised his hand and asked, "Sir, is a first-class jerk a jerk in the first-period class?" Wheezer glared at him for a long time, then said, "Guy, you're a jerk".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex subjects, precede the phrase "a list of traits" with a brief introductory sentence to provide context.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "a list of traits" without providing concrete examples or elaborating on what those traits are. Always follow up with specific details to make your writing more informative and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a list of traits" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As indicated by Ludwig, it introduces or refers to a set of characteristics or qualities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a list of traits" functions as a noun phrase used to introduce a collection of characteristics or qualities related to a subject. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, ranging from news and media to science and general writing, as validated by Ludwig. While interchangeable with similar phrases like "a set of attributes" or "a range of qualities", its effectiveness lies in providing clear, structured descriptions. When using this phrase, ensure that you follow up with concrete examples to enhance clarity. Be mindful of overusing it in a generic way without providing specific details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a set of attributes

Replaces "list" with "set" and "traits" with "attributes", emphasizing a collection of inherent qualities.

a range of qualities

Uses "range" instead of "list" and "qualities" instead of "traits", highlighting the diversity within the characteristics.

a collection of features

Substitutes "list" with "collection" and "traits" with "features", focusing on observable characteristics.

an array of characteristics

Employs "array" instead of "list" and "characteristics" instead of "traits", suggesting an organized arrangement of qualities.

a compilation of properties

Replaces "list" with "compilation" and "traits" with "properties", indicating a gathered collection of inherent qualities.

a catalog of attributes

Uses "catalog" instead of "list" and "attributes" instead of "traits", emphasizing a comprehensive listing of qualities.

a spectrum of characteristics

Substitutes "list" with "spectrum" and "traits" with "characteristics", highlighting the continuous range of qualities.

a summary of qualities

Replaces "list" with "summary" and "traits" with "qualities", focusing on a concise overview of the characteristics.

a profile of attributes

Uses "profile" instead of "list" and "attributes" instead of "traits", emphasizing a detailed description of qualities.

a rundown of features

Substitutes "list" with "rundown" and "traits" with "features", highlighting a quick and concise overview of observable characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "a list of traits" in a sentence?

You can use "a list of traits" to introduce a set of characteristics or qualities. For example, "The job description included "a list of traits" desired in an ideal candidate".

What are some alternatives to "a list of traits"?

You can use alternatives like "a set of attributes", "a range of qualities", or "a collection of features" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a list of traits" or "a list of characteristics"?

"A list of traits" and "a list of characteristics" are largely interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey; "traits" often implies inherent qualities, while "characteristics" can refer to any distinguishing feature.

What is the difference between "a list of traits" and "a combination of traits"?

"A list of traits" simply presents a collection of characteristics. "A combination of traits" implies that the characteristics are interacting or working together in a specific way.