a major feature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major feature" is correct in written English.
You can use it to describe an important characteristic of an object. For example: "The cathedral's beautiful stained glass windows are a major feature of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The silk maps were a major feature of such recollections.

The Guardian

It's also a major feature of Paul Ryan's plan.

The Washington Post

Intertribal warfare was common, with headhunting a major feature.

Britannica

Tax simplification will be a major feature of the plan.

The Washington Post

The patio was a major feature in medieval Spanish architecture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Neutrophilic inflammation is a major feature of COPD.

Chest

Why should politics be such a major feature of this important and emotional national day?

The Guardian - Opinion

"I see security becoming a major feature requirement in the future," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

A major feature of the bill is a 4.6percentt military pay increase.

The New York Times

Mr. Makavejev, now 76, hasn't made a major feature since "Gorilla Bathes at Noon" in 1993.

The New York Times

Robust evidence is found that knowledge-relatedness is a major feature of firms' innovative activities.

Research Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major feature", ensure it accurately reflects the significance of the characteristic you're describing. Avoid overuse to maintain impact.

Common error

Avoid labeling trivial aspects as "a major feature". Ensure the characteristic genuinely holds substantial importance to the subject.

Linguistic Context

A major feature functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or appositive. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase highlights a noteworthy attribute of something. For example, in "The silk maps were a major feature of such recollections", it identifies a prominent aspect of the recollections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major feature" is a common phrase used to highlight a significant aspect or characteristic, confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous real-world examples. It is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and semi-formal contexts, particularly in fields like science, news, and encyclopedic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the importance of the attribute you are describing and avoid overusing it to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key aspect

Replaces "feature" with "aspect", focusing on importance.

a primary characteristic

Substitutes "major feature" with "primary characteristic", emphasizing a defining attribute.

an essential component

Replaces the phrase with the idea of a fundamental element.

a significant element

Changes "major feature" to "significant element", highlighting importance.

a notable attribute

Replaces "feature" with "attribute", signifying a quality or characteristic.

a prominent aspect

Uses "prominent" instead of "major", emphasizing noteworthiness.

a central theme

Substitutes "feature" with "theme", indicating a recurring idea or element.

a defining trait

Replaces "feature" with "trait", focusing on a specific quality.

a crucial element

Uses "crucial" instead of "major", emphasizing the importance of an element.

a vital part

Replaces the phrase to point out the concept of a required component.

FAQs

How can I use "a major feature" in a sentence?

You can use "a major feature" to highlight a significant aspect of something. For instance, "The user-friendly interface is "a major feature" of this software."

What are some alternatives to "a major feature"?

Alternatives include "a key aspect", "a primary characteristic", or "an essential component", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a major feature" in formal writing?

Yes, "a major feature" is suitable for formal writing as it clearly and professionally indicates a significant attribute. However, ensure that the identified feature truly warrants such emphasis.

What's the difference between "a major feature" and "a minor detail"?

"A major feature" denotes a critical and important aspect, while "a minor detail" refers to something insignificant and less impactful. The choice depends on the actual importance of the aspect you're describing.