a main characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main characteristic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a primary or significant feature of something. Example: "One main characteristic of successful leaders is their ability to communicate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

It is a main characteristic of new power-electronics-enabled power system.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

A main characteristic of this acid is its behavior depending on concentration.

Chemical Engineering Science

In particular, it concerns such a main characteristic as the electron energy in the conduction band (dispersion ε(p)).

Nanoscale Research Letters

The hourly series Q �� is a main characteristic function for definitive data obtained using the proposed algorithm.

Earth, Planets and Space

The unweight Extreme learning machine can randomly generate the hidden node, which is a main characteristic that distinguishes from tradition neural network learning algorithms [28].

Journal of Cheminformatics

At the same time, rural migrants increasingly entered cities/towns to find non-agricultural jobs during the 1990s 2000s, and frequently changing jobs is a main characteristic in this very competitive labor market (Zhang 2011).

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Primary comparisons were made between treatments B and C vs. A for main characteristics.

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

If you really concentrate, you might discern a slight marmalade note in there, but its main characteristic, a curious soured lemon flavour, is mostly reminiscent of Shandy Bass.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a hereditary trait whose main characteristic is early onset of lung emphysema.

Journal of Thoracic Oncology

However, BAT is a specialized tissue dedicated to thermogenesis regulation whose main characteristic is a dramatic increase in mitochondria number and UCP1 expression [ 50].

BMC Plant Biology

The main characteristic of a chemical compound is a unique and well defined chemical structure.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a main characteristic", ensure it is followed by a clear and specific explanation or example to illustrate the characteristic being discussed.

Common error

Avoid stating "a main characteristic" without providing sufficient context or detail. Vague statements can leave the reader confused about the specific nature and importance of the characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main characteristic" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies and describes a principal attribute of something, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a main characteristic" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for highlighting a primary attribute or feature. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity and applicability across diverse contexts, as evidenced by numerous examples from scientific journals, news outlets, and other sources. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure that the characteristic being described is clearly defined and adequately supported with context. Ludwig also suggests related phrases like "a defining feature" or "a key aspect" for nuanced expression. Considering that the phrase is mostly present in scientific publications, it's important to keep the tone formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a defining feature

Emphasizes that the characteristic is essential and helps to identify something.

a primary attribute

Focuses on the characteristic as a fundamental quality.

a key aspect

Highlights the importance of the characteristic as part of a whole.

a central property

Draws attention to the characteristic as an inherent quality.

a significant trait

Highlights that the characteristic is noteworthy and impactful.

a notable feature

Indicates that the characteristic is easily observed and recognized.

a crucial element

Highlights the characteristic's vital role.

a fundamental quality

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature of the characteristic.

a distinguishing mark

Focuses on the characteristic as something that sets it apart.

a prominent attribute

Highlights the characteristic's visibility and importance.

FAQs

What does "a main characteristic" mean?

The phrase "a main characteristic" refers to a primary or significant attribute, feature, or quality that defines or distinguishes something.

How can I use "a main characteristic" in a sentence?

You can use "a main characteristic" to introduce a key attribute of a subject. For example: "A main characteristic of social media is that its diverse content constantly competes for attention."

What are some alternatives to "a main characteristic"?

You can use alternatives like "a defining feature", "a primary attribute", or "a key aspect" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "main characteristic" or "key characteristic"?

Both "main characteristic" and "key characteristic" are acceptable. "Key characteristic" might subtly imply a more essential or decisive attribute, but the phrases are largely interchangeable.