essential attribute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essential attribute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fundamental quality or characteristic that is necessary for something to function or exist properly. Example: "The essential attribute of a good leader is the ability to inspire and motivate their team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This doziness, the keeper explained, is an essential attribute.

The New York Times - Magazine

That said, Creed perfumes all seem to me to share some essential attribute.

Independent

An essential attribute of the living was their ability to breathe (an).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The architecture school declared that free undergraduate education was "an essential attribute" of Cooper Union's "unique public role".

The New York Times

Service tends to be better in gay-owned premises, proving that the essential attribute of a good waiter - obligingly camp charm - is much the same the world over.

The Guardian - Travel

Holly Yanco, an assistant professor of computer science at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, who was in charge of the search-and-rescue exercise here, put the robots' essential attribute more bluntly.

The New York Times - Tech

In Aspects of the Novel, EM Forster used the now-famous term "flat" to describe the kind of character who is awarded a single, essential attribute, which is repeated without change as the person appears and reappears in a novel.

The Guardian - Books

"For Charles and Ray, design was not simply a professional skill, it was a life skill – more than that, it was an essential attribute of life itself," says Eames Demetrios, director of the Eames Office.

Independent

This essential attribute is exquisitely captured by Mr. Spielberg and the actor Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln, resolute, consummately political, tortured and ambitious; a visionary who uses a story or a joke to defuse tense situations.

The New York Times

An essential attribute for any aspiring academic.

Science Magazine

The gravity is an essential attribute of any physical matter.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "essential attribute", ensure that the attribute is truly indispensable to the subject you are describing. Avoid using it for qualities that are merely desirable or beneficial.

Common error

Be mindful of overuse. While "essential attribute" is a valid phrase, using it too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "key characteristic" or "fundamental property" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essential attribute" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "essential" modifies the noun "attribute". According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to denote a necessary or fundamental characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "essential attribute" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to highlight a necessary or indispensable quality. Its usage is particularly common in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts. While acceptable in most settings, synonyms such as "key characteristic" or "fundamental property" can be employed to prevent redundancy. To ensure clarity, it's important to verify the attribute's true necessity before designating it as "essential". This analysis provides a complete understanding of the phrase, aiding in its accurate and effective application in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Key characteristic

Emphasizes the importance of the characteristic but might not imply necessity as strongly as "essential attribute".

Fundamental property

Focuses on the basic nature of the attribute, highlighting its role as a building block.

Core component

Highlights the attribute's role as a constituent part that is vital for the whole.

Necessary feature

Stresses the requirement of the feature for a specific purpose or function.

Indispensable quality

Underscores that the quality is absolutely necessary and cannot be done without.

Vital aspect

Highlights the importance of the aspect for success or proper functioning.

Critical element

Emphasizes that the element is crucial and decisive.

Basic trait

Focuses on inherent qualities that define something.

Defining characteristic

Indicates that the characteristic is central to the identity or nature of something.

Integral part

Highlights that the part is essential to the completeness of the whole.

FAQs

How can I use "essential attribute" in a sentence?

You can use "essential attribute" to describe a quality or characteristic that is necessary for something to function or exist. For example, "The "essential attribute" of a good leader is the ability to inspire and motivate their team".

What are some alternatives to "essential attribute"?

You can use alternatives like "key characteristic", "fundamental property", or "core component" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "essential attribute" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "essential attribute" when you want to emphasize that a particular quality is absolutely necessary or indispensable for something to be what it is.

Is there a difference between "essential attribute" and "important attribute"?

Yes, while both describe positive qualities, "essential attribute" indicates something that is absolutely necessary, while "important attribute" simply means something that is significant or valuable but not necessarily indispensable.