common characteristic

USAGE SUMMARY

"common characteristic" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a quality or trait that is shared by multiple people or objects. For example: "Integrity is a common characteristic among successful businessmen."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is there some kind of common characteristic that led the particular group studied to embrace a lifestyle of fitness?

The New York Times

Crossing of parts is a common characteristic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a common characteristic of urban myths.

The Guardian - Music

Cherry picking was the most common characteristic they shared.

The Guardian

They share the common characteristic of repeated planation, or flattening.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The countries share a common characteristic: a growing economy.

The New York Times

That's a common characteristic of such fantasies: their lack of imagination.

The Guardian - Opinion

That was a common characteristic of earlier recessions in the postwar years.

The New York Times

"Their common characteristic is that they were all positioned in front of very large business opportunities".

The New York Times

Instead they've taken a thematic approach, linking and juxtaposing a handful of presidents in each episode by a common characteristic.

The New York Times

The Amsterdamse bluf Blind spoke about is a common characteristic in the Dutch capital.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify the context in which the characteristic is common. For instance, instead of saying 'Laziness is a somewhat common characteristic', specify 'Laziness is a somewhat common characteristic of the cereal aficionado community'.

Common error

Avoid attributing a "common characteristic" based on superficial observations. Ensure a thorough understanding of the subjects to prevent inaccurate or misleading statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common characteristic" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a quality or attribute shared by a group or set of things. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common characteristic" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote a shared attribute among entities. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is deemed appropriate for use. Its prevalence spans across various domains, notably science, news, and encyclopedias, reflecting its versatility and broad applicability. When employing this phrase, ensure accurate attribution and contextual specificity to avoid overgeneralizations. Consider alternatives such as "shared trait" or "common feature" based on the nuance you wish to convey. The phrase’s consistent usage and clear meaning, supported by a high expert rating, make it a reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared trait

Emphasizes the trait being collectively possessed, differing slightly in focus from a characteristic.

shared feature

Replaces 'characteristic' with 'feature', highlighting a notable aspect that is shared.

common attribute

Substitutes 'characteristic' with 'attribute', which is a quality or feature regarded as a part of something.

typical feature

Focuses on the feature being typical, implying it is regularly found.

universal trait

Suggests the trait is found everywhere or in everything within a specific context.

shared property

Uses 'property' to denote a quality or attribute that is shared among entities.

mutual attribute

Highlights the reciprocal aspect of the attribute, suggesting it is shared equally.

prevalent feature

Indicates the feature is widespread and commonly observed.

hallmark

Implies the characteristic is a distinctive feature, often associated with excellence or uniqueness.

recurring element

Replaces 'characteristic' with 'element', emphasizing the repeated presence of a particular aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "common characteristic" to describe a trait that is shared by multiple entities. For example, "A common characteristic of successful entrepreneurs is resilience".

What are some alternatives to using "common characteristic"?

Alternatives include "shared trait", "shared feature", or "common attribute". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "common characteristic" or "shared characteristic"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. "Common characteristic" emphasizes the presence of the trait across multiple entities, while "shared characteristic" highlights the act of sharing that trait.

What is the difference between "common feature" and "common characteristic"?

While similar, "common feature" often refers to a visible or easily identifiable aspect, whereas "common characteristic" can encompass less tangible qualities or traits.