defining features of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining features of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the essential characteristics or attributes that distinguish something from others. Example: "The defining features of a successful leader include effective communication, empathy, and decisiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But both have become defining features of our times.

The Guardian - Opinion

Defining features of the battle were also identified and mapped.

Journal of Cultural Heritage

These innovations could ultimately be defining features of a great 21st-century city.

The New York Times

The energy and fearlessness of youth appear to be defining features of young serial entrepreneurs.

The Guardian

Infighting and volatility have been defining features of the presidency to date.

The Washington Post

Credit and debt were defining features of imperial Russia's culture of property ownership.

Yale University

Stoic logicians studied the logical properties and defining features of words used to combine simpler propositions into more complex ones.

Britannica

The extensive use of exterior glazed enclosures is one of the character defining features of Modern architecture.

Columbia University

Table 1 Defining features of the mixed methods research framework 1.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

Lack of sleep, overwork, and burnout are defining features of America's business and political culture.

Huffington Post

Covering 70percentt of the Earth's surface, the oceans are one of the essential and defining features of our planet.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defining features of", ensure that the features you list are indeed essential and clearly distinguish the subject from others. Avoid including minor or irrelevant details.

Common error

Avoid using "defining features of" to describe qualities that are common or widespread. Ensure that the features are specific and unique to the subject being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining features of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, typically introducing a list or description of essential characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely recognized and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defining features of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to introduce essential characteristics or attributes. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. The phrase functions as a noun phrase modifier and serves to highlight the key aspects that make a subject distinct. For alternatives, consider options like "key characteristics of" or "essential attributes of". When employing this phrase, ensure the listed features are genuinely defining and not overly general. Keep also in mind that, although widely used, you should keep the right context in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defining characteristics of

Highlights characteristics that are important for definition.

key characteristics of

Focuses on essential qualities rather than features.

essential attributes of

Emphasizes inherent qualities that belong to something.

identifying traits of

Stresses traits used to recognize or classify.

hallmark traits of

Highlights distinctive and recognizable traits.

distinctive qualities of

Draws attention to unique and distinguishing qualities.

unique elements of

Focuses on the singular components that differentiate something.

notable aspects of

Points out significant or remarkable aspects.

core components of

Highlights the most important or fundamental parts.

fundamental properties of

Emphasizes basic and essential qualities or attributes.

FAQs

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

Use "defining features of" to introduce characteristics that are essential to understanding or identifying a subject. For example, "The "defining features of democracy" include free elections and the rule of law."

What are some alternatives to "defining features of"?

You can use alternatives such as "key characteristics of", "essential attributes of", or "hallmark traits of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "defining features of" and "defining characteristics of"?

While similar, "defining characteristics of" may refer to a broader set of attributes, whereas "defining features of" often implies elements that are more prominent or noticeable.

When is it appropriate to use "defining features of" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "defining features of" when you need to highlight the most important and distinctive aspects of a subject, especially when differentiating it from others or establishing its identity.