core attributes

USAGE SUMMARY

"core attributes" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the fundamental or essential characteristics or qualities that define something or someone. Example: The core attributes of a good leader include strong communication skills, empathy, and decision-making abilities.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Consider those core attributes of being reliable, fast, wholesome, American, and family-minded.

The New Yorker

"The core attributes of The International Herald Tribune will be retained and refined".

The New York Times

The idea now is to retain those core attributes, while giving this 8-passenger  a "come hither" look.

The New York Times

For Mickey and other Disney characters, one method is to keep the core attributes of the characters the same, but to update the world in which they live.

The New York Times

Q. Can you elaborate? A. There are several core attributes that I really sought, and with each attribute there's some fine-grain subtlety underneath it as well.

The New York Times

What's more, Kehoe said that he believed that Sargent embodied the qualities -- boundless intellectual energy and deep commitment to students -- that Sexton had identified as core attributes of the Enterprise.

The New York Times - Magazine

Vision, and the ability to convey it convincingly to others, are two core attributes that McElhaney ascribes to female leadership, and ones that differ from male traits of goal-driven short-termism.

The Guardian

Borderlands is different in that it borrows heavily from the role-playing genre, in which customizing your character's skills, developing its core attributes and outfitting it with devastating equipment are some of the most important aspects of the game.

The New York Times - Arts

Nancy F. Koehn, a retail historian and professor at Harvard Business School, credits Lord & Taylor with "keeping its core attributes" during its makeover, and she sees the national-anthem ritual as one of those attributes.

The New York Times

He said: "It is obvious that an allegation that a professional cricketer is a match-fixer goes to the core attributes of his personality and, if true, entirely destroys his reputation for integrity.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

To address some of these issues we propose the adoption of a community-defined, uniform, generic description of the 'core attributes of biological databases', which we will name BioDBCore.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When defining something, clearly state its "core attributes" to provide a concise and accurate understanding.

Common error

Avoid listing attributes that are not truly fundamental. Focus on the "core attributes" that are essential and defining, rather than secondary or circumstantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "core attributes" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying the essential characteristics or qualities of a subject. Ludwig examples show its use in describing defining traits across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "core attributes" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to the essential and defining qualities of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various fields, particularly in science, news, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's crucial to focus on truly fundamental aspects to avoid diluting the definition with secondary characteristics. Remember that "essential characteristics" or "fundamental properties" can serve as effective alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Knowing the distinction between core and secondary traits ensures more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential characteristics

Focuses on the indispensable qualities that define something.

fundamental properties

Emphasizes the basic and foundational aspects of an entity.

key features

Highlights the most important and distinguishing aspects.

defining qualities

Stresses the attributes that determine the nature or identity of something.

intrinsic traits

Underscores inherent and natural characteristics.

primary aspects

Focuses on the most important facets or elements.

basic elements

Highlights the foundational components of something.

central components

Emphasizes the key parts that are crucial to the whole.

essential factors

Focuses on the crucial elements that contribute to a particular outcome or situation.

critical elements

Highlights elements of decisive importance.

FAQs

How can I use "core attributes" in a sentence?

You can use "core attributes" to describe the essential characteristics of a subject. For example, "The "core attributes" of a successful business include innovation, customer focus, and financial stability."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "core attributes"?

Alternatives to "core attributes" include "essential characteristics", "fundamental properties", or "key features".

What's the difference between "core attributes" and "secondary characteristics"?

"Core attributes" are the essential and defining traits, while secondary characteristics are additional but not fundamentally necessary. Core attributes are crucial for something to be what it is, while secondary characteristics are more flexible and can vary.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "core attributes"?

The phrase "core attributes" is appropriate in a variety of contexts, including academic writing, business reports, and general descriptions where it's important to identify the most essential aspects of a subject.