are a key feature of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are a key feature of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is an important or essential part of a larger concept or system. Example: "Sustainability practices are a key feature of modern architecture, influencing design and construction methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

These "third-party transfers" are a key feature of the Giuliani administration's housing policy.

The New York Times

Yes, concentrated animal feeding operations, or "factory farms" as you call them, are a key feature of modern agriculture.

The New York Times

Doors are a key feature of the installation: some are locked and some open on to long, dark corridors featuring small illuminated windows.

The Guardian - Arts

I refer to the launch of the online federal and state health exchanges that are a key feature of Obamacare, allowing those without health insurance to shop around for the best plan.

Independent

Infrastructure networks are a key feature of an economy.

Games and Economic Behavior

Thus, folding kinetics in the cell are a key feature of protein evolvability.

Journal of Molecular Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

That's been a key feature of the US market.

The Economist

Redemption is a key feature of a number of characters in The Wire.

The Guardian

Electrical generation and supply will also be a key feature of your degree.

The Guardian

Corbyn's unilateralist and anti-military intervention beliefs were a key feature of his leadership campaign.

The Guardian

The internecine feud between the two was a key feature of the gripping middle seasons.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are a key feature of", ensure that the noun following 'of' is specific and clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "are a key feature of systems", specify "are a key feature of distributed systems".

Common error

Avoid using "are a key feature of" in conjunction with other redundant terms like "essential feature" or "important characteristic". Choose one for concise writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are a key feature of" functions as a predicate nominative, linking a subject (often plural) to a noun phrase that renames it. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly identifies something as a crucial aspect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are a key feature of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to highlight the essential or important characteristics of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across varied contexts. As evidenced by a high occurrence in scientific literature, it is prominent in formal writing, yet still suitable for news and business. Consider alternatives like "are a central component of" for nuanced emphasis and avoid redundancy by carefully crafting sentences. This phrase is helpful for specifying what makes something important within a broader context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are a central component of

Emphasizes the core or essential nature of the component.

are a primary characteristic of

Focuses on the distinguishing traits or attributes.

are a fundamental aspect of

Highlights the basic and underlying nature.

are an integral part of

Stresses the necessity and interconnectedness of the element.

are a critical element of

Underscores the importance and decisiveness.

are a significant attribute of

Focuses on noteworthy qualities or characteristics.

are a notable trait of

Highlights a remarkable or distinctive quality.

are a hallmark of

Indicates a distinctive or recognizable characteristic.

are quintessential to

Focuses on an element that is a perfect example of something.

constitute a cornerstone of

Emphasizes the foundational and indispensable nature.

FAQs

How can I use "are a key feature of" in a sentence?

Use "are a key feature of" to emphasize an essential or important aspect of something. For example, "Scalability and reliability "are a key feature of" cloud computing platforms".

What are some alternatives to "are a key feature of"?

You can use alternatives like "are a central component of", "are a fundamental aspect of", or "are an integral part of" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "is a key feature of" or "are a key feature of"?

Use "is a key feature of" for singular subjects and "are a key feature of" for plural subjects. For example, "Adaptability is a key feature of this design" versus "Flexibility and modularity "are a key feature of" this architecture".

What's the difference between "are a key feature of" and "are key features of"?

"Are a key feature of" highlights one important characteristic, while "are key features of" indicates multiple important characteristics. For example, "Durability "is a key feature of" this material", versus "Strength and flexibility "are key features of" this material".