distinguishing feature

USAGE SUMMARY

"distinguishing feature" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a particular property that makes something or someone unique or different from others. For example, "The distinguishing feature of this species of tree is its bright yellow leaves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another distinguishing feature is the three drivers.

The New York Times - Tech

Green construction is another distinguishing feature of the office towers.

The New York Times

Yet bloodless altars are a distinguishing feature of Christian churches.

The Guardian - Opinion

A third distinguishing feature is publication for tangible circulation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another distinguishing feature is publication for tangible circulation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Libraries were a distinguishing feature of these centres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the app's distinguishing feature is both ingenious and pragmatic.

The New York Times - Arts

Merry's historical rebuttals are not, however, his book's chief distinguishing feature.

The New York Times - Books

It even has the distinguishing feature of fair architecture, a kind of illusory gigantism.

The New Yorker

His exemplary diction was a distinguishing feature too of his Beckmesser and Alberich for Sadler's Wells.

The Guardian - Music

The distinguishing feature of these gold-plated plans tends to be their lack of co-payments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distinguishing feature", ensure you clearly articulate why that feature is important or how it differentiates the subject from others. Providing specific details strengthens your description.

Common error

Avoid using "distinguishing feature" for qualities that are universally shared among similar items. Focus on traits that genuinely set your subject apart to maintain credibility and provide valuable insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinguishing feature" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a specific characteristic that differentiates something from others. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinguishing feature" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to highlight a specific characteristic that sets something apart. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news articles and encyclopedias to scientific publications. While alternatives like "unique attribute" or ""defining characteristic"" exist, it’s crucial to avoid redundancy by omitting "unique" before it. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and relevance, focusing on attributes that genuinely differentiate the subject, which will strengthen descriptions and maintain audience engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defining characteristic

This alternative emphasizes that the characteristic is central to the identity of the subject.

characteristic attribute

This alternative stresses the attribute's role as a standard characteristic.

distinctive quality

This alternative highlights a specific quality that sets the subject apart.

unique attribute

This alternative focuses on the uniqueness of the characteristic.

identifying mark

This alternative highlights that the feature is used to identify the subject.

notable trait

This alternative draws attention to a specific trait that is worth noticing.

signature element

This alternative emphasizes that the element is closely associated and representative of the subject.

special property

This alternative focuses on a particular property that makes the subject unique or valuable.

key aspect

This alternative emphasizes the importance of the feature.

hallmark

This single word alternative indicates a feature that is recognized as typical of something.

FAQs

How can I use "distinguishing feature" in a sentence?

Use "distinguishing feature" to highlight a specific attribute that sets something apart. For example, "The "defining characteristic" of this car is its fuel efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "distinguishing feature"?

You can use alternatives like "unique attribute", ""defining characteristic"", or "distinctive quality" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "unique distinguishing feature"?

Yes, using "unique" with "distinguishing feature" can be redundant. The term "distinguishing" already implies that the feature is unique or sets something apart. Opt for simply "distinguishing feature" to avoid redundancy.

What's the difference between "distinguishing feature" and "key feature"?

"Distinguishing feature" highlights what makes something unique, while "key feature" simply points out an important aspect, whether unique or not. A key feature might be important but not necessarily unique to the subject.