a permanent feature

USAGE SUMMARY

"a permanent feature" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is lasting or enduring, and will not change or go away in the foreseeable future. Example: The new sculpture in the park has become a permanent feature of the city's landscape.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Secrets are a permanent feature of the human condition.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's a permanent feature of the parent-child relationship.

The New Yorker

Terrorism was a permanent feature of warfare in the region.

The New York Times

Now it might become a permanent feature of the landscape.

The Guardian

This is an album that centers on fixing a permanent feature, not searching aimlessly.

The New Yorker

"We think it is a permanent feature of the economy," she said.

The New York Times

These processes may become a permanent feature of any modern democracy.

The Guardian

Youth training scheme were meant to be a permanent feature as a gateway to working life.

The Guardian

"The brain is, in a sense, establishing excitability as a permanent feature," Dr. Pedley said.

The New York Times - Health

"I wanted to make this temporary occurrence a permanent feature of the chair," Wermers explains.

The Guardian - Arts

A virtue of swaps is that they could be made a permanent feature of the reserve.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone when employing "a permanent feature". It can sound definitive, so ensure it aligns with the desired impact. It works well for formal announcements or declarations, but less well for tentative or casual statements.

Common error

Avoid describing something as "a permanent feature" if it's subject to updates or changes. A website's layout that undergoes regular redesigns is not "a permanent feature", but the brand's logo might be.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a permanent feature" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object. It identifies something as an enduring or established part of a system, environment, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a permanent feature" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies something designed to last indefinitely. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's deemed correct and usable across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also used in Science and Encyclopedias, it denotes stability and endurance. To avoid misuse, ensure the described entity is not subject to frequent change. For alternative phrasing, consider "an enduring aspect" or "an established element" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an enduring aspect

Emphasizes the lasting quality, focusing on the aspect that continues over time.

an established element

Highlights the element's fixed or settled nature.

a fixed component

Stresses the component's unchangeable and integral role.

an integral part

Focuses on the importance and necessity of the feature.

a lasting attribute

Highlights the enduring nature of the attribute.

a regular component

Highlights the usual presence of the component.

an inherent characteristic

Indicates that the characteristic is a natural and inseparable part.

a structural element

Refers to a fundamental part of a structure or system.

a stable aspect

Emphasizes the unchangeable and steady nature of the aspect.

a continuing presence

Focuses on the unbroken existence or appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a permanent feature" to describe something intended to last indefinitely. For example, "The park's new fountain is intended to be "a permanent feature" of the landscape".

What are some alternatives to "a permanent feature"?

Alternatives include "an enduring aspect", "an established element", or "a fixed component", each emphasizing different aspects of permanence or stability.

Is "a permanent fixture" the same as "a permanent feature"?

While similar, "fixture" often implies something physically attached or fixed in place, while "feature" can be more abstract. A chandelier is "a permanent fixture", while customer service might be "a permanent feature" of a business.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a permanent feature"?

It's unsuitable when describing something likely to change or be temporary. For instance, describing a limited-time promotion as "a permanent feature" would be inaccurate.