characteristic of

USAGE SUMMARY

"characteristic of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a trait or attribute associated with something or someone. For example: "The boldness and determination in John's attitude are characteristic of a true leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such nests are characteristic of gorillas.

The Economist

Masked dances especially are characteristic of Korea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Oligoclase is characteristic of granodiorites and monzonites.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such an arrangement is characteristic of frogs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is also characteristic of chimps.

The Economist

"That's a characteristic of Chinese manufacturers".

The New York Times

That is the characteristic of dirty money".

The New York Times

They've been characteristic of you.

Harvard Business Review

They are characteristic of forams.

University of California, Berkeley

It was characteristic of her indomitable diffidence.

The Guardian

That is characteristic of a great masterpiece".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "characteristic of", ensure you clearly define what is displaying the characteristic and what the characteristic is. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "characteristic of" with overly broad or undefined subjects. For example, instead of saying "That's characteristic of people", be more specific: "That level of generosity is characteristic of people from that region".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "characteristic of" functions primarily as a modifier, attributing a particular quality or trait to a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase for describing inherent or typical attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

28%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "characteristic of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively describes typical or defining traits. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. As demonstrated by the examples, it appears commonly in news, academic, and scientific contexts, fitting well in neutral registers. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying both the subject and the trait being described. Alternatives like "typical of" and "distinctive of" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Understanding these nuances enhances precision in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical of

Replaces "characteristic" with "typical", implying a common or expected trait.

distinctive of

Substitutes "characteristic" with "distinctive", highlighting a unique and easily recognizable quality.

indicative of

Uses "indicative" instead of "characteristic", suggesting that the trait serves as a sign or indication of something else.

representative of

Employs "representative" to show that the trait is a typical example or sample.

reflective of

Replaces "characteristic" with "reflective", implying that the trait mirrors or embodies something.

a trait of

Uses "a trait" to focus on a particular quality or feature.

a hallmark of

Substitutes with "hallmark", emphasizing a distinguishing feature or mark.

unique to

Highlights that the trait is exclusively associated with something or someone.

inherent in

Implies that the trait is an essential or intrinsic part of something.

peculiar to

Uses "peculiar" to suggest that the trait is unusual or strange.

FAQs

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

You can use "characteristic of" to describe a typical or notable quality of something. For instance, "The detailed brushwork is "characteristic of" Van Gogh's paintings".

What are some alternatives to "characteristic of"?

Alternatives to "characteristic of" include "typical of", "distinctive of", and "indicative of", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a characteristic of" or simply "characteristic of"?

Both phrases are grammatically sound, but "characteristic of" is more common and direct. "A characteristic of" is typically used when discussing one specific trait among many.

How does "characteristic of" differ from "typical of"?

"Characteristic of" implies a notable or defining trait, while "typical of" suggests something is common or usual. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight a defining feature or simply indicate commonality.