a shared trait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shared trait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a characteristic or quality that is common among a group of people or things. Example: "Empathy is a shared trait among successful leaders, allowing them to connect with their teams on a deeper level."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The interpersonal approach decomposes the variance in self-concept ratings into a "method" part that is due to the student as the rater (perceiver effect), a shared "trait" part that is due to the student's perceived achievement (target effect), and an idiosyncratic self-view (self-enhancement).

Contemporary Educational Psychology

The anti-aggregation activity of emodin may be a shared trait amongst anthraquinones.

Cell Death and Disease

We believe that the cognitive deficits identified in both drug-dependent individuals and their siblings represent a shared trait in family members that predates the exposure to stimulant drugs and may be a predisposing risk factor for the development of drug dependence.

American Journal of Psychiatry

If Challis was unimpressed by celebrity, then it was clearly a shared trait.

Independent

The skit alerts us to a shared trait that we may not have noticed until presented with it.

The New Yorker

If there is a shared trait from generation to generation of Cochran Olympians, it is the powerful benefit of basic homework, or time on the snow in ski racing parlance.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Then again, the love of Star Trek is not a widely shared trait, so connecting online first and then meeting later might be your only true means for meeting the absolute Star Trek girl.

WikiHow

Salient questions include: Is it a late evolved, narrowly distributed trait, or an older more broadly shared trait?

SEP

Each interaction has a score: a numerical expression of shared trait-tolerance.

The New Yorker

Your ideal client is a combination of these shared traits.

WikiHow

They also mentioned the presence of a furrow and infundibulum as shared traits.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a shared trait", ensure it's clear which group or set of entities share the trait to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a shared trait among siblings" or "a shared trait in mammals".

Common error

Avoid assuming that a trait is universally shared when it might only be common within a specific subset. Instead of saying "intelligence is a shared trait", specify which group shares that trait, like "intelligence is a shared trait among primates".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shared trait" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid and usable in English, indicating its established grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a shared trait" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to highlight common characteristics among groups, ranging from scientific classifications to personality attributes. Examples show consistent application across science, news, and general contexts. While versatile, it is important to ensure clarity by specifying the group that shares the trait and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "common characteristic" or "mutual attribute" offer similar meanings, yet emphasize different nuances. Its frequent appearance in varied sources underscores its relevance and usability in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared characteristic

Synonymous, but emphasizes 'characteristic' over 'trait'.

shared attribute

A bit more formal. Synonymous, but emphasizes 'attribute' over 'trait'.

common characteristic

Focuses on a general attribute shared by multiple entities.

mutual attribute

Highlights the reciprocal nature of the trait being shared.

shared quality

Replaces 'trait' with 'quality', emphasizing a positive attribute.

common feature

Suggests a more visible or structural similarity.

collective characteristic

Highlights that the trait is group oriented, possessed jointly.

common denominator

Implies a fundamental element that is the same for all.

universal attribute

Emphasizes that it is a feature applicable in all cases.

ubiquitous feature

This suggests the trait is very common or widespread.

FAQs

How do I use "a shared trait" in a sentence?

Use "a shared trait" to describe a common attribute among members of a group. For instance, "Resilience is "a shared trait" among successful entrepreneurs".

What can I say instead of "a shared trait"?

You can use alternatives like "common characteristic", "mutual attribute", or "shared characteristic" depending on the context.

Is it more accurate to say "a shared trait" or "a common trait"?

Both "a shared trait" and "a common trait" are correct and often interchangeable. "Shared" emphasizes the idea of possession in common, while "common" stresses frequency or prevalence. Choose the word that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a shared trait" and "a common feature"?

"A shared trait" refers to any characteristic that is common within a group, whereas "a common feature" often implies a more visible or structural element that is the same. For example, "adaptability is "a shared trait" among survivors", while "bright plumage is "a common feature" among male birds".