characteristic of him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "characteristic of him" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quality or trait that is typically or commonly associated with a particular person. Example: John's selflessness in always putting others before himself is characteristic of him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It was characteristic of him that he revolutionized this professorship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was characteristic of him to state the fact in interviews with journalists.

The Guardian - Books

He has brilliance to squander, but steadiness has not been characteristic of him.

The New Yorker

His open-kitchen, open-mind attitude "is quite characteristic of him".

The New York Times

The method he devised to keep the saloon tranquil was characteristic of him.

The New Yorker

He gave up some rebounds, and that is not characteristic of him.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The key shows the particular characteristic of each HIM responsible for greater disruption.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

His favourite expression, "I dressed him; God healed him," is characteristic of this humane and careful doctor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The technology evangelist George Gilder once wrote of him, with characteristic hyperbole, "No single individual has exerted a more profound influence on modern human productivity".

The New Yorker

In whatever way the episode is judged, it was characteristic of him of his relationship with his public, his business sense, his stamina, his ostentatious display of supplementary skills, and also of his originality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is also characteristic of chimps.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "characteristic of him" to succinctly convey that a specific trait or action is typical and expected for the person in question. This phrase works well when you want to avoid simply stating the trait directly and instead imply it through behavior or actions.

Common error

Avoid using "characteristic of him" interchangeably with phrases that imply inherent qualities versus observable behaviors. "Part of his nature" suggests something innate, whereas "characteristic of him" points to a pattern of behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "characteristic of him" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying an implied noun by attributing a quality or behavior pattern to a specific male individual. Ludwig AI, the assistant, confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "characteristic of him" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote that a particular trait or behavior is typical of a specific male individual. Ludwig AI highlights its correctness and versatility across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. When aiming for variety, alternatives like "typical of him" or "indicative of him" can be used. Remember to maintain clarity by distinguishing observable actions from inherent qualities, ensuring that the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning. Following these guidelines will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical of him

Replaces "characteristic" with "typical", maintaining the core meaning of representing someone's usual behavior.

indicative of him

Substitutes "characteristic" with "indicative", focusing on how the action or trait points to his nature.

representative of him

Uses "representative" instead of "characteristic", emphasizing how the action or trait is a typical example of him.

in his nature

Focuses on the inherent quality, replacing the adjective with a prepositional phrase that conveys a similar idea.

consistent with his personality

Highlights the alignment with his established personality, providing a slightly more detailed explanation.

a hallmark of his behavior

Emphasizes that the trait is a distinctive and recognizable feature of his behavior.

part of his character

Directly refers to his character, simplifying the expression while retaining the essential meaning.

what he is known for

Focuses on public perception and reputation, suggesting a well-established and recognized trait.

displays his true colors

Uses a more idiomatic expression to suggest that the action reveals his authentic self.

shows his typical style

Emphasizes the consistency with which he acts, referring to a recognizable pattern or method.

FAQs

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

Use "characteristic of him" to describe actions or traits that are typical for a particular person. For example, "His generosity is "characteristic of him" because he always puts others first."

What phrases are similar to "characteristic of him"?

Similar phrases include "typical of him", "indicative of him", and "representative of him". These can be used to convey that a particular behavior or trait is expected for the person.

Is it correct to say "characteristic for him" instead of "characteristic of him"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "characteristic" in this context is "of". "Characteristic for him" is not grammatically standard.

What does it mean when something is described as "characteristic of him"?

It means that the specific action, trait, or quality is something you would expect from that person; it aligns with how they usually behave or what they are known for.