external features

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "external features" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the visible characteristics or attributes of an object, person, or system that are observable from the outside. Example: "The external features of the building include large windows and a modern facade."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The systematic examination and classification of abnormal external features.

Nature

dog: external featuresThe common external features of a dog's body.

Britannica

Only some external features and facades need more work.

The New York Times

Many buildings have attractive external features including ironwork on the stoop and intact original cornices.

The New York Times

The external features we can manipulate but rarely the influent.

Water Research

Its external features have undergone Darwinian evolution to often drastic degrees.

The New York Times - Arts

Lassmann, T., Frings, O. & Sonnhammer, E. L. Kalign2: high-performance multiple alignment of protein and nucleotide sequences allowing external features.

Nature

From its external features, it has been linked previously to fowl-like birds of the order Galliformes.

Britannica

A weld stud differs from a regular stud in that it has special external features.

Measurement

In the case of external features we seek to uncover the conceptual networks within which concepts circulate.

University of California, Berkeley

"The criteria that people use for race are based entirely on external features that we are programmed to recognize," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "external features" in scientific writing, be specific about which features you are describing. For example, instead of saying 'the organism's external features', specify 'the organism's coat color and scale pattern'.

Common error

Avoid using "external features" as a vague placeholder for specific details. Instead of broadly stating 'the design was influenced by external features', identify which factors affected the design, such as 'the design was influenced by weather conditions and local aesthetics'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external features" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the observable characteristics or attributes of something, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "external features" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase. It serves to describe the observable attributes of a subject, be it an object, organism, or system. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. Its usage is particularly prevalent in scientific, news, and encyclopedic domains. While alternatives such as "outward characteristics" or "visible attributes" exist, "external features" remains a clear and effective choice for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outward characteristics

Focuses on the visible characteristics observable on the exterior.

visible attributes

Emphasizes the attributes that can be seen.

surface properties

Highlights the characteristics of the surface of something.

observable traits

Indicates the traits that can be observed.

superficial aspects

Refers to the aspects visible on the surface and readily apparent.

physical characteristics

Highlights the physical and observable characteristics.

exterior qualities

Focuses on the qualities of the exterior.

outer appearance

Describes the general visual aspect.

facade

Refers to the front or outward appearance, often in the context of buildings or metaphorical fronts.

visible form

Describes the form that is capable of being seen.

FAQs

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

You can use "external features" to describe the observable characteristics of something. For example, "The "external features" of the building included a large garden and a modern facade."

What are some alternatives to "external features"?

Some alternatives to "external features" include "outward characteristics", "visible attributes", or "surface properties", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "external features" in formal writing?

Yes, "external features" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts where precise descriptions are necessary. However, choose the most specific and descriptive language possible to enhance clarity.

What is the difference between "external features" and "internal features"?

"External features" refer to the observable characteristics on the outside of something, while "internal features" refer to the characteristics inside. For example, in describing a computer, "external features" might include the case and ports, whereas internal features would include the CPU and memory.