a main feature of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main feature of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or important characteristic of something. Example: "A main feature of this software is its user-friendly interface, which makes it accessible to all users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tourism is excellent and a main feature of our local economy.

The Guardian

This technique has been a main feature of Twain's writing from the start.

The New Yorker

The proximity of wealth & wretchedness is a main feature of life.

The New Yorker

But they are now a footnote to the nonbinding preamble, not a main feature of the plan.

The New York Times

"A main feature of the economy since 2008 is job splitting," says Martin Smith, national organiser of the GMB union.

The Guardian

A main feature of Citizendium is its 'approved articles', which have undergone a form of peer-review by accredited topic-experts and are closed to real-time editing.

The Guardian

Over the last seven years, balloons have become a main feature of a New Jersey county fair that dates to 1859.

The New York Times - Travel

The separation of the role of chairman and chief executive — a main feature of British corporate governance — is also under threat.

The New York Times

According to Edwin Booth's Legacy, a heavily illustrated book of treasures published to coincide with the club's centennial exhibition in 1989, Booth insisted on the "formation of a theatrical library" as a "main feature of the club".

The Guardian - Books

A main feature of the legislation calls for incentive payments of more than $40,000 spread over a few years for a physician who buys and uses electronic health records.

The New York Times

It was a time when female vocal duos and trios, particularly those involving sisters, were in vogue and when all-female orchestras such as Anacaona were a main feature of Havana's musical life.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing multiple features, use "a main feature of" to highlight the most important or defining characteristic. This helps prioritize information for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a main feature of" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "key aspect" or "primary characteristic" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main feature of" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It serves to highlight a significant or primary characteristic of a subject. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a main feature of" is a versatile expression used to emphasize a significant or primary characteristic. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related content. While highly functional, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "a key aspect of" or "a primary characteristic of" for variety. Ludwig's examples clearly demonstrate that this phrase serves to direct attention to what is considered most notable or important about a given subject, solidifying its value in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A key aspect of

This alternative focuses on importance, highlighting something essential but not necessarily the most visible.

A primary characteristic of

This alternative emphasizes a fundamental trait, focusing on inherent qualities.

A central element of

This alternative stresses the core nature, suggesting that it's indispensable.

A defining trait of

This alternative spotlights the capacity to distinguish something from similar entities.

A notable aspect of

This alternative underscores the capability to attract attention or observation.

A significant attribute of

This alternative emphasizes importance, suggesting that it influences what something is.

A prominent feature of

This alternative highlights how well something stands out or is easily visible.

A major component of

This alternative focuses on the part that contributes substantially to the whole.

An integral part of

This alternative stresses the necessity and completeness.

A crucial element of

This alternative signals an essential or decisive role.

FAQs

How can I use "a main feature of" in a sentence?

Use "a main feature of" to introduce a particularly important or defining characteristic. For example: "A main feature of the new smartphone is its enhanced camera quality."

What can I say instead of "a main feature of"?

You can use alternatives like "a key aspect of", "a primary characteristic of", or "a central element of" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a main feature" when "feature" already implies importance?

While "feature" often implies significance, using "a main feature of" can emphasize the characteristic's prominence among other features. This helps to prioritize information for the audience.

What's the difference between "a main feature of" and "an important aspect of"?

"A main feature of" typically refers to a distinguishing characteristic, whereas "an important aspect of" indicates a significant component or consideration. While similar, the former emphasizes the defining nature, and the latter emphasizes the significance.