cardinal feature

USAGE SUMMARY

"cardinal feature" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to something that is of fundamental importance or a defining characteristic of a person or thing. For example, "Teamwork is a cardinal feature of success in any endeavour."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their cardinal feature is immensity.

The New Yorker

Aperistalsis is the other cardinal feature of achalasia.

Nature

Small airway remodeling is the cardinal feature underlying chronic airway diseases.

Respiratory Medicine

Working memory deficits are a cardinal feature of schizophrenia that contribute to social and occupational dysfunction.

Biological Psychiatry

The cardinal feature of this extrapyramidal disease is pathologic iron accumulation in the globus pallidus.

Seminars in Hematology

The cardinal feature of neuronal polarization is the establishment and maintenance of axons and dendrites.

Stanford University

Loss of β-cell mass is a cardinal feature of diabetes.

Stanford University

Hallucinations, a cardinal feature of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, are known to depend on excessive striatal dopamine.

Current Biology

Bulge cells possess stem cell characteristics, including multipotency, high proliferative potential, and their cardinal feature of quiescence.

Journal of Investigative Dermatology

Nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), a cardinal feature of asthma, is thought to result from several genetic and environmental factors.

Chest

Complete destruction of the Manchu aristocracy forms the cardinal feature of the programme of the Assembly and the Army League.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cardinal feature" to highlight a defining characteristic or essential element, making your writing more precise and impactful. For example, "Adaptability is a cardinal feature of successful businesses."

Common error

Avoid using "cardinal feature" for trivial or secondary aspects. Reserve it for features that are truly fundamental and defining to maintain the phrase's impact and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cardinal feature" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a key or defining attribute of a subject. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage across various domains, highlighting its role in specifying essential characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

71%

Academia

14%

News & Media

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cardinal feature" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the fundamental or defining characteristic of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various writing contexts. It is most frequently found in scientific and academic sources, indicating a formal and precise register. When using this phrase, ensure it truly represents an essential aspect to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "essential attribute" or "defining characteristic" can be used to add variety, while avoiding its use for trivial aspects will preserve its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential attribute

Replaces feature with attribute, focusing on an inherent quality.

defining characteristic

Emphasizes the role of the feature in identifying something.

key element

Highlights the importance of the feature as a component.

primary aspect

Focuses on the feature as a main facet or view.

fundamental component

Stresses the feature's role as a basic, necessary part.

critical factor

Highlights the importance of the feature in determining an outcome.

chief trait

Emphasizes the feature as a prominent quality.

core property

Focuses on the feature as an intrinsic quality.

principal attribute

Highlights the feature as a leading or main quality.

central quality

Stresses the feature's position as a key defining aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "cardinal feature" to describe something essential or defining, such as, "Adaptability is a "cardinal feature" of successful businesses" or "Empathy is a "cardinal feature" of effective leadership".

What are some alternatives to "cardinal feature"?

Alternatives to "cardinal feature" include "essential attribute", "defining characteristic", or "key element", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "cardinal feature" in formal writing?

Yes, "cardinal feature" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts, as it conveys a sense of importance and precision.

What's the difference between "cardinal feature" and "important feature"?

"Cardinal feature" implies a fundamental and defining aspect, whereas "important feature" simply means the feature is significant but not necessarily essential. A "cardinal feature" is more crucial and characteristic than merely an "important feature".