characteristic sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "characteristic sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a sentence that exemplifies or represents a particular quality or feature of something. Example: "The author's characteristic sentence reveals their unique style and perspective on life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Take this characteristic sentence.

The Guardian - Books

"I don't recognise my country any more" is the characteristic sentence of the rightwing populist voter.

The Guardian - Opinion

A characteristic sentence is one in which self-consolation is declined.

The Guardian - Books

Recalling a childhood friend, Clementine Stark, the narrator delivers a characteristic sentence opening: "Her father was about to have a heart attack …" Cal cannot but know this upcoming eventuality.

The Guardian - Books

A characteristic sentence begins, "Yet another of the great questions that can never be answered regarding the life history of this species is how many times a year they bred".

The New Yorker

In this study there was worsening of the characteristic sentence level processing deficits in association with single word comprehension and repetition deficits and verbal memory impairment.

Brain and Language

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

His characteristic sentences turn on themselves.

The New Yorker

Joyce coined it in Ulysses, in perhaps one of his most characteristic sentences: "Florry whispers to her.

HuffPost

It's a characteristic Petterson sentence, beginning in solid realism and ending in lyrical suspension.

The New Yorker

Here's a characteristic Kael sentence: "It would be more honorable to take a chance on the audience".

The New York Times - Books

His characteristic closing sentence was: 'And so to bed'". Which is hardly a worthy summary of the literary merits of one of our great literary works.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing writing, use "characteristic sentence" to pinpoint specific examples that embody the author's style or the text's overall tone. This provides concrete evidence for your analysis.

Common error

Avoid declaring a sentence as "characteristic" based on a single instance. Ensure it reflects a recurring pattern or a defining trait of the writer or work to avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "characteristic sentence" functions as a noun phrase, where 'characteristic' modifies 'sentence'. It serves to identify a sentence that is representative of a particular style, author, or text. This aligns with Ludwig's AI, which validates its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "characteristic sentence" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, primarily found in news, media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. It describes a sentence that is representative of a particular style or author. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. When using this phrase, ensure the identified sentence truly embodies the defining traits of the subject matter and is not an isolated instance. Alternatives like "typical sentence" or "defining sentence" may be used depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical sentence

Replaces "characteristic" with a synonym emphasizing commonality.

defining sentence

Emphasizes the sentence's role in defining a particular style or quality.

distinctive sentence

Highlights the unique and recognizable nature of the sentence.

representative sentence

Indicates that the sentence is a typical example of a larger body of work.

illustrative sentence

Suggests that the sentence serves to illustrate a particular point or feature.

hallmark sentence

Implies that the sentence is a signature or identifying feature.

signature sentence

Similar to 'hallmark', emphasizing a unique and recognizable element.

telling sentence

Highlights the sentence's ability to reveal something significant.

revealing sentence

Similar to 'telling', emphasizing the sentence's informative nature.

indicative sentence

Suggests that the sentence points to a specific quality or characteristic.

FAQs

What does "characteristic sentence" mean?

A "characteristic sentence" refers to a sentence that is typical or representative of a particular writing style, author, or genre. It embodies the qualities or features that define the overall character of the work.

How can I identify a "characteristic sentence" in a text?

Look for sentences that exemplify the author's distinctive style, tone, or use of language. Consider sentences that capture the essence of the text's themes or arguments. They often stand out as particularly memorable or impactful.

What are some alternatives to "characteristic sentence"?

You can use alternatives like "typical sentence", "defining sentence", or "distinctive sentence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is a "characteristic sentence" different from a "typical sentence"?

While both terms describe representative sentences, "characteristic sentence" often implies a more unique or defining quality. A "typical sentence" is simply common, whereas a "characteristic sentence" is uniquely representative of something's nature.