be characteristic of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be characteristic of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is typical or representative of a group, class, or phenomenon. For example, "His drive and passion to succeed are characteristic of the most successful entrepreneurs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This kind of confidence tends to be characteristic of particular social groups.

The Guardian

Must a grunt be "characteristic of a hog," as one dictionary defines it?

The New York Times

This personality type -- which Christopher Lasch took to be characteristic of our age -- is depressive, irritable, edgy, easily angered.

The New York Times - Books

A few skates that have been observed mating may be characteristic of other rays.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is no cut-and-dried answer, and this ambivalence around the use of antidepressants seems to be characteristic of those taking them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Very slow decline, with preservation of insight and personality until very late, seems to be characteristic of the visual variant of Alzheimer's.

The New Yorker

Even traits thought to be characteristic of distinct taxonomic groups have unexpectedly been observed in other microbes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The nonreading of books, you will object, should be characteristic of collectors?" His answer: Yes! Book collectors don't always read!

The New York Times - Magazine

They also support the hypothesis that blunted reactivity may be characteristic of a range of dependencies.

International Journal of Psychophysiology

Might then such a belonging to one's beloved be characteristic of God, if perhaps in a different sense?

SEP

Sulumi composes innovative dance music rather than the simple, instrumental "robotic trance" sounds that are sometimes thought to be characteristic of the genre.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be characteristic of" to highlight traits that are consistently observed within a group or phenomenon, enhancing the clarity and depth of your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "be characteristic of" in highly formal writing; consider more precise alternatives like "exemplify" or "epitomize" for enhanced sophistication and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be characteristic of" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a subject with its typical or distinguishing attributes. Ludwig's examples show its use in identifying qualities inherent to a group or phenomenon. It serves to attribute specific traits or behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be characteristic of" is a versatile phrase used to describe the typical or distinctive features of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various domains, particularly in science and news media. When writing, it's important to remember that while "be characteristic of" is broadly applicable, using more precise synonyms can enhance the sophistication of formal contexts. Leveraging Ludwig's examples and the guidance provided will help you use the phrase effectively, ensuring clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be typical of

Direct synonym focusing on common traits.

be representative of

Implies serving as an example for a larger group.

be indicative of

Suggests something serves as a sign or indication.

be distinctive of

Highlights unique and distinguishing features.

be a hallmark of

Emphasizes a prominent and recognizable feature.

be a feature of

States that something is a notable part or aspect.

be in keeping with

Indicates consistency or agreement with a standard.

be marked by

Highlights a prominent attribute or quality.

be associated with

Suggests a common connection or relationship.

be suggestive of

Implies that something hints at or implies something else.

FAQs

How can I use "be characteristic of" in a sentence?

Use "be characteristic of" to describe a typical quality or feature of a group, thing, or idea. For example: "This behavior is characteristic of children that are neglected".

What are some alternatives to "be characteristic of"?

You can use alternatives such as "be typical of", "be representative of", or "be indicative of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is characteristic of" or "are characteristic of"?

The correct form depends on the subject's number. Use "is characteristic of" for singular subjects and "are characteristic of" for plural subjects.

What's the difference between "be characteristic of" and "be typical of"?

While both phrases are similar, "be characteristic of" implies a defining trait, whereas ""be typical of"" suggests commonness or usualness.