distinctive features

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctive features" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe unique characteristics or attributes that set something apart from others. Example: "The distinctive features of this painting include its vibrant colors and abstract shapes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has distinctive features".

The New York Times

Each apartment has distinctive features.

The New York Times

What are some of the building's "distinctive features"?

The New York Times

Each one of them has his own distinctive features.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dessau itself, Akbar said, had two distinctive features.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ignoring their similarities, each lineage exaggerated its distinctive features.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The distinctive features of Israelite religion appear with Moses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead, they defined phonemes as sets of distinctive features.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These distinctive features are dealt with below (see bird; mammal).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Boiler and machinery insurance has several distinctive features.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rather, phonemes may be analyzed into sets of distinctive features.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a subject, use "distinctive features" to draw attention to specific, easily recognizable aspects that set it apart.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctive features" when "features" alone suffices. Redundancy weakens the impact of your writing; ensure that "distinctive" adds specific value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctive features" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights particular aspects that differentiate something, as seen in Ludwig's examples, showcasing its role in descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "distinctive features" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight unique attributes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across diverse sources such as news, science, and encyclopedias. When writing, use it to specify notable and recognizable aspects. Alternatives include "unique attributes" or "characteristic traits", but "distinctive features" remains a strong and versatile choice for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique attributes

Focuses on the uniqueness of the attributes.

characteristic traits

Emphasizes the traits that define something.

defining characteristics

Highlights characteristics that are key to the identity of something.

identifying marks

Stresses features that help in identification.

notable aspects

Draws attention to aspects that are worth noting.

peculiar attributes

Highlights attributes that are unusual or odd.

singular qualities

Emphasizes the unique nature of the qualities.

special attributes

Focuses on the attributes that are special or particular.

key differentiators

Highlights aspects that set something apart from others.

individual traits

Stresses the specific traits of an individual or item.

FAQs

How can I use "distinctive features" in a sentence?

You can use "distinctive features" to describe unique characteristics or attributes. For example: "The "distinctive features" of this building include its arched windows and ornate facade."

What phrases are similar to "distinctive features"?

Similar phrases include "unique attributes", "characteristic traits", or "defining characteristics".

What makes "distinctive features" different from "typical features"?

"Distinctive features" highlights unique or notable aspects, whereas "typical features" refers to common or standard aspects. Therefore, use "distinctive features" to highlight uniqueness and "typical features" to describe commonalities.

Is it better to use "distinct features" or "distinctive features"?

"Distinctive features" is more common and idiomatic when describing notable characteristics. While "distinct features" isn't necessarily incorrect, "distinctive features" is generally preferred for its emphasis on unique and recognizable attributes.