a vital attribute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vital attribute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an essential quality or characteristic that is important in a particular context. Example: "Communication skills are a vital attribute for success in any leadership role."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A green thumb is a vital attribute for David W. Daly, a vegetarian with a passion for sustainable agriculture and an appetite for nasturtiums.

The New York Times

Cole had impressed enough, despite his team's plight, to catch the eye of Claudio Ranieri, and the Italian signed the West Ham skipper, referring to him as "our new Gianfranco Zola" and highlighting Cole's dribbling as a vital attribute.

The Guardian - Sport

Furthermore, compared to previous high-content screens, ARQiv is more cost efficient – a vital attribute these days.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

LANDIS is a vital-attribute, raster-based forest landscape model.

Models for Planning Wildlife Conservation in Large Landscapes

Celestial Halo, also thrashed by Binocular at Aintree after winning the Triumph Hurdle at last year's Festival, may give the favourite more to do at this stiffer track but Nicky Henderson's five-year-old has that vital attribute which sets him apart, a turn of foot.

The Guardian - Sport

He had both soldiers and sailors on board, many having been transferred from other ships on the journey from Portsmouth to be ready to use his vessel's vital attribute, her opening stern doors, with a flooded dock out of which landing craft bristling with troops could surge out to fight on a distant shore.

Independent

But as scores became more specific, the vital attribute of interpretation diminished.

The New York Times - Arts

Four approaches of simulating site level succession are summarized: (1) no site-level succession (spatial processes as surrogates), (2) successional pathway, (3) vital attribute, and (4) model coupling.

Forest Ecology and Management

PACL can discern a set of vital attributes (statistical and application-based) from user's network traffic, and predict user's contextual location with a very high accuracy.

Computer Networks

If they do not inform an age, they do display the vital attributes of an age as nothing else can," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

As a deeply respected economist, she will bring two vital attributes to that role as a steward of the economy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vital attribute", ensure that the attribute is directly linked to a specific outcome or goal to emphasize its importance. For example, "Adaptability is a vital attribute for success in a constantly evolving market."

Common error

Avoid using "a vital attribute" to describe qualities that are universally considered important. Instead, focus on attributes that are uniquely valuable in the given context. For example, instead of saying "Honesty is a vital attribute", consider specifying "Transparency is a vital attribute for building trust with clients."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vital attribute" functions as a noun phrase that describes an essential or necessary characteristic. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes the importance of a particular quality, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vital attribute" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the importance of a particular characteristic or quality. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When using this phrase, ensure the attribute is specifically linked to a desired outcome to highlight its significance. Alternatives include "an essential quality" or "a crucial aspect". Understanding its function and context helps in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential characteristic

Replaces 'vital attribute' with 'essential characteristic', focusing on the necessity of the quality.

a key quality

Substitutes 'vital attribute' with 'key quality', emphasizing the importance of the attribute.

an indispensable feature

Replaces 'vital attribute' with 'indispensable feature', highlighting that the feature is necessary.

a crucial aspect

Changes 'vital attribute' to 'crucial aspect', stressing the critical nature of the aspect.

a critical component

Replaces 'vital attribute' with 'critical component', focusing on the essential part it plays.

a necessary trait

Substitutes 'vital attribute' with 'necessary trait', highlighting the required nature of the trait.

a fundamental element

Replaces 'vital attribute' with 'fundamental element', focusing on the basic or essential part it plays.

a significant property

Changes 'vital attribute' to 'significant property', stressing the importance of the property.

a core strength

Substitutes 'vital attribute' with 'core strength', emphasizing the fundamental strength.

an integral part

Replaces 'vital attribute' with 'integral part', emphasizing its completeness to the whole thing.

FAQs

How can I use "a vital attribute" in a sentence?

Use "a vital attribute" to highlight an essential characteristic or quality that contributes significantly to a particular outcome or success. For example, "Strong communication skills are "a vital attribute" for effective leadership".

What are some alternatives to "a vital attribute"?

You can use alternatives such as "an essential quality", "a key feature", or "a crucial aspect" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use "a vital attribute"?

While "vital" already implies importance, using "a vital attribute" can be effective if you want to emphasize the necessity and significance of a particular quality or characteristic. However, ensure the context justifies the emphasis to avoid redundancy.

What's the difference between "a vital attribute" and "a valuable asset"?

"A vital attribute" refers to an essential characteristic or quality, while "a valuable asset" typically refers to a resource or advantage that contributes to success. For example, creativity can be "a vital attribute", while financial resources are often a valuable asset.