defining attribute of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining attribute of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a characteristic that is essential to the identity or nature of something. For example, "The defining attribute of a successful leader is effective communication." Alternative expressions include "key characteristic of," "essential quality of," and "hallmark of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In addition to smaller wheel size and a step-through frame, the third defining attribute of a scooter is an automatic transmission.

The New York Times

In fact, that floating but grounded quality is the defining attribute of his music – like a person wanting to believe in magic, but knowing it's all just sleight of hand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here we find yet again a defining attribute of the Obama legacy: the transformation of what was until recently a symbol of right-wing radicalism - warrantless eavesdropping - into meekly accepted bipartisan consensus.

The Guardian - Opinion

If one works towards programs whose "thinking" is constitutionally incapable of violating predetermined constraints, one is trying to engineer away the defining attribute of an intelligent being, of a person: namely creativity.

The Guardian

Another defining attribute of an object's orbit around the Sun is its inclination, which is the angle that it makes with the plane of Earth's orbit the ecliptic plane.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This has been a defining attribute of the New Amsterdam Singers, a skilled 70-voice choir, which ended its 45th season with a concert on Thursday night at St. Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church on the Upper West Side, conducted by its music director, Clara Longstreth.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

And it reminds you, too, how often these collective, defining attributes of university are neglected in the continuing debate about the funding and relevance of degree-level study.

The Guardian - Opinion

What social scientists delicately call "ethnocentrism" and "racial resentment" and "ingroup solidarity" are defining attributes of conservative voting behavior, and help organize a familiar if not necessarily rational coalition of ideological interests.

The New York Times

A choice experiment approach provides an alternative top down valuation by approximating policy outcomes, which are spatially remote from beneficiaries and therefore arguably only appreciated passively or in terms of non-use or existence value for broadly defined attributes of the policy.

Ecological Economics

The process of defining attributes involves examining the clusters of elements associated with the concept.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

One of the defining attributes of capitalism is that the market determines what succeeds even if it means that the Kardashian Kollection might bring in more money than all the bespoke suits in the world.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defining attribute of", ensure the attribute you're describing is genuinely essential and not merely a common or typical feature. Providing specific examples helps to clarify the attribute's importance.

Common error

Avoid using "defining attribute of" for features that are merely descriptive or common, rather than uniquely essential. This can weaken your argument and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining attribute of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, specifying a key, essential characteristic or quality. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in identifying core aspects across diverse subjects, from scooter design to a person's character.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defining attribute of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight an essential characteristic. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in English. The phrase is suitable for neutral to formal registers, appearing frequently in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the attribute described is truly essential and unique. Alternatives include "essential characteristic of", "key feature of", and "hallmark of". Common mistakes involve overstating the importance of the attribute, which you can avoid by ensuring that it is a core, indispensable component.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential characteristic of

Replaces 'defining attribute' with 'essential characteristic', emphasizing a key trait.

key feature of

Substitutes 'defining attribute' with 'key feature', highlighting a notable aspect.

hallmark of

Replaces 'defining attribute' with 'hallmark', indicating a distinguishing trait.

distinguishing characteristic of

Emphasizes the quality that sets something apart.

central property of

Focuses on a core aspect or quality.

fundamental quality of

Highlights a basic and essential trait.

core element of

Emphasizes an indispensable component.

essential element of

Highlights an element that is necessary and fundamental.

primary characteristic of

Focuses on the main characteristic.

critical aspect of

Emphasizes the importance of the aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "defining attribute of" in a sentence?

Use "defining attribute of" to introduce an essential characteristic. For example, "The "defining attribute of" a scooter is an automatic transmission."

What are some alternatives to "defining attribute of"?

You can use alternatives like "essential characteristic of", "key feature of", or "hallmark of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a defining attribute for" instead of "defining attribute of"?

While "defining attribute for" might be understandable in some contexts, ""defining attribute of"" is the more standard and grammatically sound choice. The preposition "of" correctly indicates possession or belonging.

What's the difference between "defining attribute of" and "typical attribute of"?

"Defining attribute of" refers to a characteristic that is essential and unique, while "typical attribute of" refers to a common or representative feature. They are not interchangeable.