a major characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major characteristic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a prominent or significant feature of somebody or something. For example, "Responsibility is a major characteristic of good leadership."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A major characteristic was then used to describe groups of birds, beasts and professions.

The New York Times - Sports

A major characteristic of arachnid evolution is that segments were fused or lost.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A major characteristic of the Postclassic, in contrast to the Classic, is the abundant historical documentation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A vivid interest in things, and an active desire to understand more about them, is a major characteristic of intelligence.

The Guardian - Opinion

A major characteristic of primates is that their fingers and toes terminate in nails rather than in claws.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ability to invade adjacent tissues is a major characteristic that distinguishes malignant tumours from benign tumours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A major characteristic was the use of comb pottery, chiefly found at seashore and river-basin sites, where inhabited places and shell mounds also have been discovered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An overview of the evolution of life as a major characteristic of Earth's history is given in community ecology: Evolution of the biosphere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The terrorists have a major characteristic not consistent with commercial direct mail -- they have been anonymous," said H. Robert Wientzen, president of the association, the industry's trade organization with 5,000 member companies.

The New York Times

And polarization is a major characteristic of the Latin American region's political scenario.

TechCrunch

Resistance to apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) is considered as a major characteristic in RA.

Joint Bone Spine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major characteristic", ensure the characteristic you're describing is genuinely significant and not just a minor detail. Provide context to show its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a major characteristic" to describe something that is only marginally important. Ensure the characteristic truly stands out and has a substantial impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major characteristic" functions as a noun phrase used to identify a significant attribute, feature, or quality of a subject. Ludwig AI indicates that it's commonly used to highlight key aspects in descriptions or analyses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

14%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a major characteristic" is a versatile and commonly used expression for highlighting significant attributes across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in contexts ranging from science and news to encyclopedias and business. When employing this phrase, ensure that the attribute you're describing is indeed a key feature and provide sufficient context to underscore its importance. By avoiding overstatement and offering concrete examples, you can effectively communicate the significance of the characteristic you're emphasizing. Remember to consider alternatives like "a key attribute" or "a primary feature" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key attribute

Changes the noun from characteristic to attribute while maintaining the focus on a significant quality.

a primary feature

Replaces "characteristic" with "feature", highlighting an important element or aspect.

a defining trait

Emphasizes that the trait is crucial and helps to identify something.

a significant aspect

Shifts the focus to an important part or element of something.

a notable quality

Highlights a positive or distinctive attribute.

a crucial element

Indicates that the element is essential and vital.

an important property

Focuses on a specific attribute or quality that is noteworthy.

a central component

Emphasizes the role of being a key part of a whole.

a prominent attribute

Highlights the notability and obviousness of the attribute.

a hallmark feature

Implies that the feature is distinctive and easily recognizable.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a major characteristic" in a sentence?

Use "a major characteristic" to introduce a significant feature or attribute of a subject. For instance, "A major characteristic of the scientific method is empirical testing."

What are some alternatives to using "a major characteristic"?

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

Is it always necessary to provide evidence when describing "a major characteristic"?

Providing evidence or examples strengthens your statement and helps the reader understand why the characteristic is considered major. Use supporting details to enhance credibility.

What distinguishes "a major characteristic" from a minor one?

A major characteristic is a significant attribute that substantially influences the nature or behavior of something, whereas a minor characteristic is less impactful and less defining. Ensure the attribute is fundamentally important before labeling it as "a major characteristic".