a recurring feature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a recurring feature" is correct and can be used in written English.
A recurring feature is something that repeats or happens frequently. For example, "The blue skies and beautiful sunsets are a recurring feature of summer in this town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Theatrics are a recurring feature of Normand's command.

The Guardian

M.H.: [Laughs.] I mean, it's not a recurring feature.

The New Yorker

Science is a recurring feature of Garland's work.

The Guardian

If these starry collaborations are to be a recurring feature, who should Sue take on next?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It will be a recurring feature in the apps and services released over the coming year.

The New York Times

If successful, the prohibition could become a recurring feature, officials said.

The New York Times

Divisions between Obama and his generals have become a recurring feature of his presidency.

The Washington Post

A recurring feature of his work is the use of multiple, often unexpected voices.

The Guardian

This opening out is a recurring feature of Silber's stories, which begin to feel more like miniature novels.

The New York Times - Books

In my granddaughter's Phoenix comic, there is a story with a recurring feature called The Well Of Infinite Gravy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This spring, on the Web site Londonist, a recurring feature called "Desperate Royal Wedding Headlines" garnered a following.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a recurring feature", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being repeated or consistently present. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a recurring feature" when describing something that only appears a few times. Ensure the repetition is significant enough to warrant the term. If it's not that frequent, consider alternatives like "an occasional element" or "a periodic aspect".

Linguistic Context

A recurring feature functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies something that happens or appears repeatedly, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. For example, "Divisions between Obama and his generals have become a recurring feature of his presidency."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

30%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a recurring feature" is a widely used noun phrase that describes something that appears or happens repeatedly within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable in numerous situations. This phrase is common in news, scientific, and academic writing, indicating a neutral formality level. When using this phrase, ensure that the repetition is significant enough to warrant its use, and consider alternatives such as ""a common occurrence"" or ""a frequent element"" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common occurrence

Focuses on the frequency of an event or element.

a frequent element

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of a specific component.

a repeated motif

Highlights the reappearance of a design or theme.

a regular characteristic

Indicates a typical attribute that is consistently present.

a persistent aspect

Stresses the continuous or enduring nature of a trait.

a usual attribute

Highlights something expected or typical.

a typical element

Suggests a representative or standard component.

a hallmark

Focuses on something that is a distinctive characteristic or trait.

a trend

Emphasizes a pattern or direction over time.

a habit

Implies a practice that is often repeated.

FAQs

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

You can use "a recurring feature" to describe something that appears repeatedly or is consistently present in a particular context. For example, "Technical glitches were "a recurring feature" of the software's early releases".

What are some alternatives to "a recurring feature"?

Alternatives include "a common occurrence", "a frequent element", or "a repeated motif" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a recurring feature" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "a recurring feature" and "a common theme"?

"A recurring feature" refers to something that appears repeatedly, while "a common theme" refers to an idea or subject that is present throughout a work. While they can overlap, a feature is more about appearance, and a theme is about content. They may be used as synonyms in specific contexts.