constellation of characteristics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constellation of characteristics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of traits or features that are interconnected or related in some way. Example: "Her personality is a constellation of characteristics that make her both approachable and inspiring."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Instead, MSCs are defined retrospectively by a constellation of characteristics in vitro, including a combination of phenotypic markers and multipotential differentiation functional properties.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

PFTC may have a constellation of characteristic symptoms, namely colicky abdominal or pelvic pain and adnexal mass, relieved by intermittent, profuse, serosanguineous vaginal discharge, which constitute Laztko's triad (seen in only 15%% of patients).

Insights into Imaging

Women who are competent and forceful, on the other hand, are seen by both sexes as unlikable, unfeminine, aggressive, conniving and untrustworthy – what Heilman called "your typical constellation of 'bitchy' characteristics'".

The Guardian - Opinion

To examine pregnant women's weight-related attitudes and behaviors in relation to a constellation of psychosocial characteristics, prepregnancy body habitus, and gestational weight gain.

Journal of the American Dietetic Association

The refeeding syndrome is a complex constellation of major characteristics which requires a multifacet diagnostic criteria.

BMJ Open

To date, however, this constellation of OC characteristics has not been the primary focus of treatment for AN-R.

BMC Psychiatry

We also note that obesity in this sample seems to be associated with a constellation of personal characteristics: non-smoking, TV watching, mentally distressed, and alcohol abstaining.

BMC Family Practice

Each unique dosing scenario is termed a medication "dosing region"; that is, the constellation of clinical characteristics that stipulates a specific pediatric dosage for a given drug.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

A number of studies have indicated that hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors including obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, a constellation of disorder characteristics of the metabolic syndrome commonly found in diabetes (3– 8).

Diabetes Care

These factors could represent a constellation of heritable characteristics that promote transformation events and/or facilitate the establishment of a microenvironment that is conducive for survival of malignant blood vessel-forming cells.

BMC Cancer

Hardiness is 'a constellation of personality characteristics that function as a resistance resource in the encounter with stressful life events' 18 The questionnaire comprises of 15 questions which explore the facets of commitment, control and challenge.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "constellation of characteristics", ensure the characteristics you're listing are genuinely interconnected or contribute to a central theme. This strengthens the impact of the phrase and avoids a sense of randomness.

Common error

Avoid using "constellation of characteristics" to describe simple or obvious attributes. Reserve it for situations where the interplay between characteristics is complex or insightful. Instead of saying 'The dog has a constellation of characteristics like fur, tail and nose', which is trivial, consider more straightforward phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constellation of characteristics" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It serves to identify and describe a specific group of attributes. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constellation of characteristics" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing a collection of interconnected traits. It is appropriate for various contexts, including scientific, news, and encyclopedic writing, with a generally neutral to formal register. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. When using this phrase, consider alternative expressions such as "set of characteristics" or "array of characteristics" for subtle shifts in meaning. The key is to ensure that the characteristics genuinely relate to each other. Avoid using the phrase for simplistic descriptions, as it is better suited for complex relationships between the attributes being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set of characteristics

Replaces "constellation" with "set", indicating a collection or group.

constellation of traits

Substitutes "characteristics" with "traits", referring to distinguishing qualities.

array of characteristics

Uses "array" instead of "constellation", suggesting an ordered arrangement.

constellation of features

Substitutes "characteristics" with "features", highlighting prominent aspects.

cluster of characteristics

Substitutes "constellation" with "cluster", implying a closely grouped collection.

group of characteristics

Replaces "constellation" with "group", indicating a general collection.

combination of characteristics

Uses "combination" instead of "constellation", emphasizing the merging of different attributes.

collection of characteristics

Replaces "constellation" with "collection", focusing on the act of gathering attributes.

pattern of characteristics

Uses "pattern" instead of "constellation", highlighting a recurring arrangement of attributes.

totality of characteristics

Changes "constellation" to "totality", emphasizing completeness of the attributes

FAQs

How can I use "constellation of characteristics" in a sentence?

You can use "constellation of characteristics" to describe a complex set of traits or features that define something. For example, "Her success is due to a constellation of characteristics, including intelligence, hard work, and perseverance."

What are some alternatives to "constellation of characteristics"?

Alternatives include "set of characteristics", "array of characteristics", or "cluster of characteristics", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "constellation of characteristics" or "combination of characteristics"?

Both phrases are correct, but "constellation of characteristics" implies a more interconnected and complex relationship between the attributes, while "combination of characteristics" simply suggests a merging of different attributes.

What does "constellation of characteristics" really mean?

The phrase "constellation of characteristics" refers to a group of traits or features that are interconnected and contribute to a whole, much like stars in a constellation form a recognizable pattern. It suggests a complex and interrelated set of attributes.